What if either Benjamin Franklin's or Joseph Galloway's Plan of Union were agreed to by the several Colonies?
I venture that the President-General, appointed by the Crown, would soon face heavy resistance by the Grand Council, which is elected by the lower Houses of each Colony. The President-General would soon yield to the demands for responsible government; that is, officials serving only with the confidence of the Grand Council.
Apportionment of the Grand Council would be proportional to the revenue given to the Union government, but with each Colony being guaranteed at least two seats. The Grand Council would serve a term not longer than three years.
In essence, the Grand Council would become a unicameral American Parliament with a figurehead President-General. The real power would lie with the Treasurers, in effect the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.
There are still some unresolved issues, such as slavery and the admission of the new colonies to the West, as well as America's ever-expanding role in the British Empire. How long will it take for the King of Great Britain to be forced to appoint Presidents-General from America rather than Britain? or better yet, allow a cadet branch of the House of Hanover to be King and Emperor of North America, obviating the need for a President-General? How will the Colonies/Provinces/Dominions form their legislatures later on?
All interesting questions. What do you think?
I venture that the President-General, appointed by the Crown, would soon face heavy resistance by the Grand Council, which is elected by the lower Houses of each Colony. The President-General would soon yield to the demands for responsible government; that is, officials serving only with the confidence of the Grand Council.
Apportionment of the Grand Council would be proportional to the revenue given to the Union government, but with each Colony being guaranteed at least two seats. The Grand Council would serve a term not longer than three years.
In essence, the Grand Council would become a unicameral American Parliament with a figurehead President-General. The real power would lie with the Treasurers, in effect the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.
There are still some unresolved issues, such as slavery and the admission of the new colonies to the West, as well as America's ever-expanding role in the British Empire. How long will it take for the King of Great Britain to be forced to appoint Presidents-General from America rather than Britain? or better yet, allow a cadet branch of the House of Hanover to be King and Emperor of North America, obviating the need for a President-General? How will the Colonies/Provinces/Dominions form their legislatures later on?
All interesting questions. What do you think?