C. Does great Britain have the right to exercise control over colonists?
Loyalists believed that being part of the British Empire meant that England had the right to control the colonies. Loyalists accepted the idea that the colonies were controlled by government agencies and appointed people. They believed that the protection Britain offered as well as trade connections was worth England controlling the empire.
Patriots believed the British did not have the right to control the colonists because they refused to allow the colonies representation in the government. England was too far away and removed from the problems and lives of those living in the colonies. Patriots argued the colonies were better off controlling their own affairs than being under the control of the British.