WHat kind of government do we have?
Here in Maryland, we are a constitutional monarchy. In the year 1639, a representative government was established in Maryland.The freemen chose as many representatives as they pleased. With the governor appointed by the proprietor, and a secretary,this composed the government of Maryland. In that first representative assembly, the people boldly asserted their rights and dignity. The proprietor presented to the Legislature a system of laws which he had framed. The representatives rejected the whole system. They adopted a Declaration of Rights, defining the powers and duties of each branch of the government. We also have a charter. Maryland's foundation charter created a state ruled by the Palatine lord, Lord Baltimore. As ruler, Lord Baltimore owned directly all of the land granted in the charter. He possessed absolute authority over his domain. Settlers were required to swear allegiance to him rather than to the King of England. The charter created an aristocracy of lords of the manor, who bought 6,000 acres (24 km²) from Baltimore and held greater legal and social privileges than the common settler.