Chapter 2 The Constitution Why do we have separation of powers and how does it work? Is the separation of powers effective? Origins through Declaration Objective: SWBAT: identify the ideas and events that led to American independence. Why do you think colonists saw opportunity in the ?New World? that they could not find back in Europe? Why might the British government want to maintain control of the colonies? Origins through Declaration Colonists to the New World Escape from religious persecution Economic opportunity Land Independent Diverse Origins through Declaration Self-Governance King - some local participation Colonial assembly Colonial constitutions Absence of: Feudalism rigid class system absolute authority guild and craft systems no single state church