American colonists initially object to the Sugar Act for economic reasons, but before long they recognize that there are constitutional issues involved.

The British Constitution guarantees that British subjects cannot be taxed without their consent, which comes in the form of representation in Parliament.

The colonists elect no members of Parliament, and so it is seen as a violation of the British Constitution for Parliament to tax them.

There is little time to raise this issue in response to the Sugar Act, but it will come to be a major objection to the Stamp Act the following year.