Why did Henry claim that only representatives chosen by the American colonists had he right to decide how American colonists should be taxed?

Answer 1

Henry argued that only representatives elected by the American colonists had the legitimate authority to impose taxes on them because of the principle of "no taxation without representation." He believed that since the colonists had no voice in the British Parliament, it was unjust for them to be taxed by a body that did not represent their interests. This perspective was rooted in the idea that self-governance and consent of the governed were essential rights. Thus, Henry emphasized that taxation should originate from local representatives who understood and prioritized the needs of the colonists.