The role of government was important to the development of the American colonies. The colonies started as extensions of the English government, complete with English laws. As the population of the colonies grew, the new colonists brought with them new ideas on how they should be governed. Eventually, these new ideas led to tension between the American colonies and England. There were many American colonists who were influential in the evolution of politics and government in the American colonies.

Politics in the American colonies changed as the colonists' need for government also changed. To keep the colonies under control, the English government imposed a series of laws on the colonies. Many of the American colonists responded in protest. There were Americans who stood on either side of the political lines.

Patriots were Americans who wanted to be free of England and its laws. Many of them served in the Continental Army. They were referred to as "rebels" by the English.Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Samuel Adams, pictured left, was a famous patriot who led the Sons of Liberty, a group of American patriots who participated in the Boston Tea Party. Adams represented Massachusetts in the Continental Congress.

Loyalists were the Americans who remained loyal to the English government. They supported the policies of the king. Thomas Hutchinson, pictured right, was a famous loyalist.

As the political lines became more clearly drawn, more American colonists became a part of the political landscape.

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

Excerpt from the Declaration of Independence

The excerpt above is from the Declaration of Independence, the document that gave birth to the American Revolution. It was drafted by Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Thomas Jefferson, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

Click on the link below to watch a video about Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence

The Founding Fathers are the men who contributed to the political growth of the United States. They were the framers of the U.S. Constitution, inspirational leaders, and progressive thinkers who led the nation from declaring independence to revolution. Read more about the Founding Fathers below. Click on each image to learn more.

After the Americans declared their independence from England, a war soon ensued. From 1776 to 1783, the events of the American Revolution galvanized American colonists against England and led to a war that changed American colonies into the United States. Many American heroes emerged during the American Revolution. Possibly the most famous hero of the American Revolution isInteractive popup. Assistance may be required. George Washington.

George Washington was named the commander in chief of the Continental Army. His strong leadership skills and outstanding military performance led Congress to name him as the first President of the United States.

Activity: Snapshot of a Political Leader

In this activity, you will identify American colonists who were political leaders based on their descriptions. Select the name of the leader that best fits the characteristics listed below. The snapshot will appear when you have selected the correct leader.