What was the main complaint of the American colonists against British taxation in the 1760s and 1770s?

The core complaint of the American colonists regarding British taxation in the 1760s and 1770s can be summarized by the phrase "no taxation without representation." This sentiment encapsulated the colonists' belief that they should not be subject to taxes imposed by a parliament in which they had no elected representatives. The concept of representation was integral to the colonial political mindset, as the colonists viewed the British Parliament's direct taxation measures, such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts, as unjust impositions that violated their rights as Englishmen.

While the concerns about high taxes on everyday goods and the specifics of taxation on imports reflect aspects of colonial grievances, they stemmed fundamentally from the broader principle of representation. The absolute refusal to accept taxation by a governing body that did not allow them a voice in its decisions was the bedrock of their resistance. Thus, the assertion that taxation should only occur with the consent of the governed further highlights this principle, but it was encapsulated most succinctly in the rallying cry of "no taxation without representation." This phrase became a powerful motto for the revolutionary cause and underscored the call for greater autonomy and self-governance among the colonies.