(Source: Lostpine — The 27 Grievances Explained)
🔹 1. Original Grievance
“He has erected a multitude of New Offices and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.”
🔹 2. What This Meant to the Colonists
The King created many new government positions and filled the colonies with tax collectors and officials who burdened the people.
🔹 3. Historical Context
After the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts, Britain created new tax offices, admiralty courts, and customs positions. These “swarms of officers” were expensive and intrusive, and colonists paid their salaries through taxes.
🔹 4. Constitutional Response
- Article I, Sections 7–8 — taxes must come from elected representatives.
- Voting rights expanded through amendments (15th, 17th, 19th, 23rd, 26th). Citizens control taxation through representation, preventing government overreach.
🔹 5. Key Vocabulary
- Duties
- Customs officer
- Representation
🔹 6. Critical Thinking Questions
- Why did colonists resent the creation of new offices?
- How does representation protect citizens from government overreach?
- Why is voting essential for controlling taxation?
🔹 7. Short Writing Prompt
Explain how Grievance 10 shows the colonists’ belief that government should not burden citizens without consent.
🔹 8. Extension Activity
Create a political cartoon showing “swarms of officers” and the colonists’ reaction.