“No Taxation Without Representation.”
a phrase, generally attributed to James Otis about 1761, that reflected the resentment of American colonists at being taxed by a British Parliament to which they elected no representatives and became an anti-British slogan before the American Revolution; in full, “Taxation without representation is tyranny.”.
The phrase “No Taxation Without Representation” refers to the colonial period in American history when the British government imposed taxes on the colonies without allowing them representation in the British Parliament. The colonists believed that they had the right to representation or a voice in the decisions of the government that was taxing them.
The issue of taxation without representation intensified in the 1760s with the passage of several unpopular tax laws, including the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts. The colonists’ protests against these taxes led to the formation of the Sons of Liberty and the Boston Tea Party, among other events.
The colonists’ insistence on representation in government was a key factor in the American Revolution. It became one of the core principles of the new United States, enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, which guaranteed citizens the right to vote and choose their representatives.
Today, “No Taxation Without Representation” is still viewed as a rallying cry for people who feel that they are being unfairly taxed or whose voices are not being heard in the political process. It highlights the importance of representative government and the need for citizens to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.
More Answers:
Understanding the Patriot Movement: A Look at the Conservative, Libertarian, and Anti-Government Beliefs that Drive the Movement.The Life and Accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin: An Inventor, Writer, Diplomat, and Statesman.
Uncovering the Age of Reason: Understanding the significant impact of the Enlightenment on Western civilization