Proponents of colonial taxation in Parliament argued that despite their cries of "no taxation without representation!" American colonies were represented in Parliament through

The proponents of taxation on the colonists argued that they were represented through virtual representation. Virtual representation meant that every representative in Parliament represented the people of Great Britain. Supporters of this position believed this type of representation extended to the colonies as well. This position led to contestation between proponents of virtual representation and those who believed they had no representation in the Parliament.