either retained their old charters as constitutions, as in the case of
Connecticut and Rhode Island, or framed new constitutions based upon
the experience of colonial government. The popular legislative
assembly was everywhere retained. The common law of England continued
in force, and the system of courts was retained in practically its
pre-Revolution form. The basis of state government had been laid long
before the Revolution, the new states simply accepting the basic
political principles with which they, as colonies, had long been
familiar. The defeat of English claims was only an incident in the
irresistible progress of American democracy.


QUESTIONS ON THE TEXT

1. What is one of the chief objects of government?

2. What is the essential feature of the absolute monarchy?

3. Give an example of a country once ruled by a "divine right"
monarch.

4. Explain the difference between an absolute and a limited monarchy.

5. What is the distinction between a monarchy and a republic?

6. Name some modern republics and explain their origin.

7. Explain clearly the nature of political democracy, and show its
relation to the monarchy and to the republic.