"Resolved, that the taxation of the people by themselves, or by persons chosen by themselves to represent them... is the only security against a burdensome taxation, and the distinguishing characteristick of British freedom, without which the ancient constitution cannot exist." — Virginia Stamp Act Resolves, May 1765
Compared to the later Declaration of Independence (1776), this resolution differs primarily in that it:
- Acheck_circle
Sought reform within the British constitutional framework rather than separation from it
- B
Justified resistance through universal natural rights rather than English precedent
- C
Was issued by a continental body rather than a single colonial legislature
- D
Endorsed armed resistance rather than petition and protest
Explanation
In 1765 colonial elites sought redress within the empire by appealing to British constitutional rights; by 1776 the Declaration invoked universal natural rights to justify separation. The Resolves were issued by Virginia alone (not a continental body), and they did not endorse armed resistance.