Final answer:
The American colonies faced taxation from the British Parliament, such as the Stamp Act, without actual representation, leading to the cry of "No taxation without representation." While Englishmen in England experienced higher taxes, Americans argued for their rights under the British constitution, rejecting Britain's theory of virtual representation and leading to increased tensions over imperial reforms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparison of Taxation in Britain and America::
During the period following the French and Indian War, a significant point of contention was taxation and representation between the American colonies and Great Britain. Parliament enforced various tax laws, like the notorious Stamp Act, which imposed a tax on newspapers, pamphlets, and legal documents within the colonies. This tax was part of a broader strategy to recover debts from the costly war.
While Englishmen in England faced heavier tax burdens, especially on the lower classes through increased import duties, Americans argued they paid fewer taxes and had no actual representation in Parliament to justify this taxation, leading to their stance of "No taxation without representation".
Furthermore, the theory of virtual representation held by the British government, suggesting that Parliament represented all subjects including the colonies, was rejected by the colonists.
Consequently, increased imperial reforms heightened tensions as American colonists and the British government clashed over these issues of taxation and constitutional rights.