Government Vocabulary:
For New Jersey
Royal- A colony that is under the DIRECT control of a King.
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Self-Governing- Not under control of the King and the King did not appoint a government or council.
Proprietary- A King gives a person or group of people ownership of the land. Those people then rent out that land to pay the King. The owners act as the government.
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Colonial Assembly- A legislative body made up of elected representatives from the colony. They make laws and decisions for the colony.
Governor- The highest-ranking official in a colony or state, appointed by the King or elected by the people. The governor is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws and policies.
Courts- Judicial bodies that administer justice and settle disputes according to the law. Judges are appointed by the governor or the King.
Taxes- Payments imposed by the government on individuals and businesses to fund public services and projects.
Militia- A group of civilians trained as soldiers to serve as a defense force for the colony. They are typically organized by the governor or local authorities.
Charter- A document issued by the King granting certain rights and privileges to a colony, such as self-governance and land ownership.
Census- An official count or survey of the population, typically conducted by the government to gather demographic data and allocate resources.
Elected Officials- Individuals chosen through a democratic process to serve in various government positions, such as representatives, senators, or council members.
Bureaucracy- A system of government in which administrative tasks and decision-making processes are carried out by a complex network of departments, agencies, and officials.
Executive Order- A directive or decision issued by the governor or other executive authority with the force of law, bypassing the legislative process.
Proprietary government involves a King giving a person or group of people ownership of the land in New Jersey. These owners, also known as proprietors, then rent out the land to pay the King. In this form of government, the owners also act as the government, making decisions and governing the colony themselves.
In the context of government vocabulary in New Jersey, there are three terms related to the form of governance: royal, self-governing, and proprietary.
1. Royal: In a royal colony, the colony is under the direct control of a king. The king has full authority over the colony's government and administration. The king appoints a governor to represent his interests and act as the executive authority in the colony.
To determine whether New Jersey was a royal colony or not, you can research historical records, such as documents and accounts from that period, which would provide information about the colonial governance structure and any appointments made by the king.
2. Self-Governing: A self-governing colony is not under the direct control of the king. In such a colony, the king does not appoint a government or council to administer the colony. Instead, the colonists have the authority to establish their own government and make decisions pertaining to the colony's internal affairs.
To determine if New Jersey was a self-governing colony, you can look for evidence of self-established government structures, such as colonial legislatures, local assemblies, or popularly elected officials.
3. Proprietary: In a proprietary colony, the king grants ownership of the land to an individual or a group of people. These landowners then act as both the owners and the government of the colony. They have the ability to rent out the land to others to generate income, a portion of which is then paid to the king as a form of tribute.
To determine if New Jersey was a proprietary colony, you can explore historical documents, charters, or land grants that indicate the ownership of the land and any associated obligations to the king.
By researching and analyzing historical sources, you can gain a clearer understanding of the form of governance in New Jersey during its colonial period and determine whether it was a royal, self-governing, or proprietary colony.