(Source: Lostpine — The 27 Grievances Explained)
🔹 1. Original Grievance
“He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.”
🔹 2. What This Meant to the Colonists
The King blocked colonial governors from approving important laws unless he personally approved them—and then he ignored them for long periods. This left colonies unable to govern themselves effectively.
🔹 3. Historical Context
The King ordered governors to withhold approval of laws the colonists considered essential, such as laws that taxed government officers. This violated colonial charters and showed disregard for local authority. John Locke argued that neglect by a ruler was grounds for dissolving a government.
🔹 4. Constitutional Response
The Constitution clearly defines federal powers and limits them to specific areas:
- Article I, Section 8 — enumerated powers
- Articles II–V — structure and limits of government
- 10th Amendment — powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people. This prevents the federal government from interfering with state‑level lawmaking.
🔹 5. Key Vocabulary
- Neglect
- Charter
- Enumerated powers
🔹 6. Critical Thinking Questions
- Why would the King’s neglect of colonial laws create instability?
- How does the 10th Amendment protect state authority today?
- Why do you think Locke’s ideas influenced the Founders so strongly?
🔹 7. Short Writing Prompt
Describe how Grievance 2 shows the colonists’ desire for a government that responds to the needs of the people.
🔹 8. Extension Activity
Research a modern example of state vs. federal authority and compare it to this grievance.