Jamestown: The House of Burgesses and Self-Government
In Grade 8 US history, students learn about the House of Burgesses—the first representative assembly in America, established in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619. It gave colonists the right to have elected representatives participate in making laws, establishing the foundation for democratic self-government in the colonies and, eventually, in the United States. This topic is covered in History Alive! The United States Through Industrialism, Chapter 1.
Key Concepts
When the Virginia colony was founded, an appointed governor held absolute power. This meant colonists had little say in their government, even though they had been promised the rights of English citizens.
In 1619, the Virginia Company allowed settlers to form the House of Burgesses . This group of elected representatives was the first representative assembly in America. For the first time, colonists had a formal voice in making their own laws.
Common Questions
What was the House of Burgesses?
The House of Burgesses, established in 1619 in Virginia, was the first elected representative assembly in America. It allowed colonists to elect representatives who participated in making local laws.
Why was the House of Burgesses important?
The House of Burgesses established the principle of representative self-government in the colonies. It gave colonists experience in democratic government that would later inform the founding of the United States.
When was the House of Burgesses established?
The House of Burgesses was established in 1619 in the Jamestown colony in Virginia. It was created by the Virginia Company to give colonists a role in governing themselves.
Which textbook covers Jamestown and the House of Burgesses in Grade 8?
History Alive! The United States Through Industrialism, Chapter 1: Our Colonial Heritage, covers the founding of Jamestown and the establishment of the House of Burgesses.
How did the House of Burgesses connect to democracy in America?
The House of Burgesses gave colonists experience with elected representatives and self-governance. These democratic habits and traditions became the foundation for American government after independence.