Charter of Liberties and Privileges facts for kids

The Charter of Liberties and Privileges was an important law passed in New York in 1683. It was like a rulebook for the colony, created by the New York General Assembly. This Charter explained how the government would work, how people could vote for their leaders, and it created 12 counties. Most importantly, it promised certain rights and freedoms to the colonists living there. New York followed this Charter until May 1686. That's when Thomas Dongan, the governor of New York, received new orders from King James II. The King decided that New York would become part of a larger area called the Dominion of New England. After a big change in England called the Glorious Revolution, William III and Mary II became the new rulers. They appointed a new governor for New York, who brought back the colonial assembly on April 5, 1691.

Why Was the Charter Created?

James, Duke of York was the owner of the New York colony. He lived in exile from 1679 to 1681 because people in England were worried about him becoming king. When he returned to England, he chose Thomas Dongan to be the new governor of New York. On January 27, 1683, James told Dongan to hold elections for a colonial assembly. There were several reasons why James decided to give the colonists more say in their government.

First, James was not very strong politically in England at the time. People were worried because he was Catholic, and they feared he might try to change the country's religion if he became king.

Second, during the early 1680s, many legal experts believed that local assemblies in colonies should have more independence. For example, in 1677, a group called the Lords of Trade tried to limit the power of the Jamaica assembly. They wanted to make it so the Jamaica assembly could only approve laws made in England, not create its own. But then, William Jones, a top lawyer in England, said that people in Jamaica should only be governed by laws made in Jamaica under the King's authority. This showed that colonies wanted to make their own rules.

Third, New York was having a tough time with its economy and politics in the early 1680s. When Governor Dongan arrived in the summer of 1683, people from East Hampton asked for a representative government. Even though James had already decided to allow an assembly, this request showed that colonists were unhappy and wanted more control.

All these reasons, plus the fact that almost every other colony already had its own local assembly, convinced James that allowing an assembly was the best way to keep New York stable and successful. Also, recent struggles in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where colonists fought for their right to have assemblies and individual freedoms, influenced New York's actions. So, the Charter was another example of colonists trying to gain more power and rights for themselves.

Approval and Its End

Governor Dongan and his council approved the Charter. It was publicly announced in New York City on October 31, 1683. A year later, King James signed the Charter in England. However, King Charles II died, and James became King. Because of this, the Charter was never actually sent to New York.

As King, James changed his mind. He now believed the Charter gave colonists in New York too many rights and freedoms. For example, he felt that giving legislative power to the governor, council, and "people" in the assembly was too broad compared to other colonies. He also thought the Charter made the governor too dependent on his council. Plus, the idea of having an assembly meet every three years seemed like too much of a commitment.

So, King James did not confirm the Charter. Instead, he made New York part of a new, larger colony called the Dominion of New England. However, Governor Dongan didn't receive the official order to cancel the Charter until May 1686. During this time, New York continued to act as if the Charter was in place, and the assembly met three times. When Dongan finally got the new instructions, he read them to his council but not to the assembly. The assembly was not called to meet again after that.

After the Glorious Revolution

In 1689, news reached the colonies that King James had been overthrown in England. This event was known as the Glorious Revolution. In response, people in Boston rose up and overthrew Governor Andros. New Yorkers, eventually led by Jacob Leisler, also took control of their colony from Lieutenant Governor Nicholson. By 1691, William and Mary had appointed Henry Sloughter as the new governor. He called a new assembly, which then passed an important law. This new law was called "An act for declaring what are the rights and privileges of their Majesties’ subjects inhabiting within the province of New York."