Learn on PengiPengi Social Studies (Grade 5)Chapter 4: The Thirteen Colonies

Colonial Government and Daily Life

In this Grade 5 Pengi Social Studies lesson from Chapter 4: The Thirteen Colonies, students compare royal governors with colonial assemblies and explore the democratic tradition of town meetings in New England. They examine how the Great Awakening influenced colonists to question authority and define mercantilism alongside British trade restrictions that shaped colonial economic life.

Section 1

Roots of Self-Government

English colonists in America expected to have a voice in their government, a right they valued from English tradition. In Virginia, they established the House of Burgesses, the first elected legislature.

In New England, democracy was even more direct. Communities held Town Meetings, where male church members gathered to discuss local problems and vote on laws.

However, there was often tension in the system. While colonists elected assemblies, the King appointed Royal Governors who could veto laws, creating a constant power struggle.

Section 2

The Great Awakening

In the 1730s and 1740s, a powerful religious movement called the Great Awakening swept through the colonies.

Charismatic preachers like George Whitefield held massive outdoor meetings. They encouraged people to feel a direct, emotional connection to God rather than just following church rules.

This movement had a major political impact. By encouraging people to make their own religious choices, it taught them to question traditional authority—a mindset that would later fuel the American Revolution.

Section 3

Mercantilism and Trade

England controlled the colonial economy through a system called Mercantilism. The theory was that colonies existed solely to make the "mother country" rich.

Under this system, colonies provided raw materials (like tobacco, timber, and cotton) to England at low prices. In return, they were forced to buy back finished British goods (like furniture and cloth).

To enforce this, Parliament passed the Navigation Acts, which restricted who the colonies could trade with. These restrictions began to create deep resentment among American merchants and colonists.

Lesson overview

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Section 1

Roots of Self-Government

English colonists in America expected to have a voice in their government, a right they valued from English tradition. In Virginia, they established the House of Burgesses, the first elected legislature.

In New England, democracy was even more direct. Communities held Town Meetings, where male church members gathered to discuss local problems and vote on laws.

However, there was often tension in the system. While colonists elected assemblies, the King appointed Royal Governors who could veto laws, creating a constant power struggle.

Section 2

The Great Awakening

In the 1730s and 1740s, a powerful religious movement called the Great Awakening swept through the colonies.

Charismatic preachers like George Whitefield held massive outdoor meetings. They encouraged people to feel a direct, emotional connection to God rather than just following church rules.

This movement had a major political impact. By encouraging people to make their own religious choices, it taught them to question traditional authority—a mindset that would later fuel the American Revolution.

Section 3

Mercantilism and Trade

England controlled the colonial economy through a system called Mercantilism. The theory was that colonies existed solely to make the "mother country" rich.

Under this system, colonies provided raw materials (like tobacco, timber, and cotton) to England at low prices. In return, they were forced to buy back finished British goods (like furniture and cloth).

To enforce this, Parliament passed the Navigation Acts, which restricted who the colonies could trade with. These restrictions began to create deep resentment among American merchants and colonists.