(Source: Lostpine — The 27 Grievances Explained)
🔹 1. Original Grievance
“For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments.”
🔹 2. What This Meant to the Colonists
The King replaced colonial governments with royal control, removing local authority and self‑rule.
🔹 3. Historical Context
The Massachusetts Government Act allowed the King’s governor to appoint judges, sheriffs, and other officials. Jury selection was taken from the people and given to royal officers. Colonists saw this as the destruction of their government.
🔹 4. Constitutional Response
- Article VI (Supremacy Clause) — The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law.
- Oath Clause — all officials must support the Constitution. This prevents government forms from being altered without the people’s consent.
🔹 5. Key Vocabulary
- Charter
- Supremacy Clause
- Oath of office
🔹 6. Critical Thinking Questions
- Why is it dangerous for a ruler to change government structures at will?
- How does the Constitution protect stable government?
- Why must officials swear to uphold the Constitution?
🔹 7. Short Writing Prompt
Describe how Grievance 21 shows the colonists’ commitment to lawful, representative government.
🔹 8. Extension Activity
Create a before‑and‑after chart showing how the Massachusetts charter changed.