why do only wealthy mal property owners were allowed to serve in colonial legislatures?
The principle in many colonial legislatures was that property, not people, were represented. Since land owners were usually wealthy they had a lot of power and served in these legislatures, representing their property.
http://books.google.com/books?id=Ch1bAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA246&lpg=PA246&dq=colonial+legislatures+wealthy+men&source=bl&ots=w167KV1zCu&sig=npDpBTGivlmPjqqq8hRL7gGOcqk&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result
The restriction of colonial legislatures to wealthy male property owners can be attributed to several historical factors. To understand this, it is important to examine the context of colonial America.
At the time, most colonies were established as chartered colonies, which were granted by the English monarchy to individuals or groups for settlement purposes. These charters often outlined the rights and privileges of the colonists, but they also reflected the prevailing social and political norms of English society.
In England and many European countries, wealth and property ownership were considered indicators of social status and responsibility. The idea was that individuals who owned property had a strong stake in the community and were thus more likely to act in its best interest. This belief translated into the restriction of political power and decision-making to those who held significant amounts of property.
In the context of colonial legislatures, this meant that only wealthy male property owners could serve as legislators. The rationale behind this restriction was to ensure that those making laws and policies had a vested interest in protecting their own property and the collective interests of other property owners. Additionally, limiting political power to a select group helped maintain social hierarchy and the existing class structure.
To understand this historical context, it is helpful to consult primary sources such as colonial charters, historical documents, and writings from the colonial period. These sources shed light on the intentions and justifications behind such restrictions and provide insight into the social and political dynamics of colonial America.