Question

According to the document, why did the king dissolve representative houses?

A) To consolidate power and rule without opposition
B) To promote democracy and ensure fair elections
C) To encourage political debate and discussion
D) To strengthen the role of representative government

Answer 1

The king dissolved representative houses to consolidate power and remove opposition, which reflects the concerns that led to balancing powers in government during the American Revolution.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the document, the king dissolved representative houses to consolidate power and rule without opposition. This action is described as a response to the houses' opposition to his policies, notably 'opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people'. By dissolving these legislative bodies, the king prevented them from functioning as a check on his power, instead returning legislative powers to the people, albeit in a state of vulnerability to both internal and external dangers. This idea reflects the concerns of the time that led to the American Revolution and the subsequent efforts to balance government powers and prevent tyranny.