WHEREAS it is expedient that new provisions and regulations should be established for improving the revenue of this kingdom, and for extending and securing the navigation and commerce between Great Britain and your Majesty’s dominions in America, which, by the peace, have been so happily enlarged: and whereas it is just and necessary, that a revenue be raised, in your Majesty’s and dominions in America, for defraying the expenses of defending, protecting, and securing the same; we, your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the commons of Great Britain, in parliament assembled, being desirous to make some provisions, in this present session of parliament, towards raising the said revenue in America, have resolved to give and grant unto your Majesty the several rates and duties herein aftermentioned… - The Sugar Act (1764) According to this excerpt, what was the British Parliament’s justification for the Sugar Act?

Question 1 options:

The tax was to support Britain's National Debt

The tax was to pay for their war with Spain over land in North America

The tax was to cover the shipping cost for goods such as Sugar

The tax was to help with the cost of maintaining the colonies