Declaratory Act, (1766), declaration by the British Parliament that accompanied the repeal of the Stamp Act. It stated that the British Parliament's taxing authority was the same in America as in Great Britain. Parliament had directly taxed the colonies for revenue in the Sugar Act (1764) and the Stamp Act (1765).

Who benefited from the Declaratory Act?

The Declaratory Act was simply a proclamation that reinforced parliament's law-making power over the American colonies. It was designed to clarify the relationship between Britain and America, passed really for the benefit of the Americans themselves, who seemed to have forgotten their place.

How did the Declaratory Act affect the colonists?

The Declaratory Act was a measure issued by British Parliament asserting its authority to make laws binding the colonists “in all cases whatsoever” including the right to tax. ... This act meant that a Parliamentary majority could pass any law they saw fit affecting British subjects and colonists alike.