Bringing the English Bringing the English heritage to Americaheritage to America

The VA House of BurgessesThe VA House of Burgesses

11stst permanent settlement in permanent settlement in JamestownJamestown

Founded in 1607 by VA CoFounded in 1607 by VA Co Chartered by King James IChartered by King James I

HOB (cont)HOB (cont)

Colony run by governor and council Colony run by governor and council appt by VA Coappt by VA Co

1619: colonists chose two reps 1619: colonists chose two reps (burgesses) from each county(burgesses) from each county

Formed HoBFormed HoB

HOB (cont)HOB (cont)

HoB 1HoB 1stst rep assembly in colonies rep assembly in colonies Little powerLittle power

1624- VA became a royal colony1624- VA became a royal colony Appt new gov- but HoB was allowed Appt new gov- but HoB was allowed

to continueto continue

The Mayflower CompactThe Mayflower Compact

On the Pilgrim’s journey, they On the Pilgrim’s journey, they realized they needed rules.realized they needed rules.

41 men signed Mayflower Compact.41 men signed Mayflower Compact.

MC (cont)MC (cont)

Mayflower Compact said:Mayflower Compact said: Gov would make “just and equal laws”Gov would make “just and equal laws” Signers pledged to obey lawsSigners pledged to obey laws Set up direct democracy – only adult males Set up direct democracy – only adult males

were allowed to vote.were allowed to vote.

MC (cont)MC (cont)

Still have direct dem in NE today- Still have direct dem in NE today- town hall meetingstown hall meetings

Early colonial govsEarly colonial govs

As new colonies formed, started own As new colonies formed, started own govs.govs.

Each col had a governor (either Each col had a governor (either elected or apptd)elected or apptd)

Each had a legislature, elected by Each had a legislature, elected by adult free malesadult free males

Early colonial govs (cont)Early colonial govs (cont)

As Great Britain As Great Britain became more self became more self involved, colonists involved, colonists were given more were given more freedom to self freedom to self governgovern

Felt comfortable Felt comfortable solving problems solving problems without GBwithout GB