House of Burgesses

Definition

The House of Burgesses was the first elected legislative assembly in the American colonies, established in Virginia in 1619. It marked a significant step towards self-governance and representative government in the New World, allowing colonists to have a voice in their own governance. This assembly became a model for other colonial legislatures and contributed to the development of democratic principles in America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The House of Burgesses was created in response to the need for local governance and order in the growing colony of Virginia, as it faced challenges such as conflicts with Indigenous peoples and internal issues.
2. The assembly consisted of representatives elected by landowners, reflecting early notions of democracy and participation in governance.
3. Meetings of the House of Burgesses were held in Jamestown, and it played a key role in making decisions on taxation and local laws.
4. The establishment of the House of Burgesses set a precedent for future legislative bodies across the colonies, influencing American political development.
5. Although it operated within the framework of British colonial rule, the House of Burgesses asserted its authority and began to challenge the power of royal governors, foreshadowing future conflicts.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the House of Burgesses contribute to the development of democratic practices in the American colonies?
  • The House of Burgesses introduced elected representation to colonial governance, allowing landowners to have a direct say in legislation and local affairs. This assembly fostered a sense of political engagement among colonists and laid the groundwork for broader democratic ideals that would later influence the formation of the United States. By giving a voice to colonists, it marked a significant shift from autocratic rule toward self-governance.
• In what ways did the House of Burgesses assert its authority against colonial governors, and what implications did this have for colonial politics?
  • The House of Burgesses often challenged the authority of royal governors by asserting its right to control taxation and local legislation. This tension highlighted growing frustrations among colonists regarding British oversight, as members of the assembly sought greater autonomy. The conflicts between elected representatives and appointed officials foreshadowed later revolutionary sentiments and demands for independence from British control.
• Evaluate how the creation of the House of Burgesses can be seen as a precursor to modern democratic institutions in the United States.
  • The House of Burgesses exemplified early forms of representative government, establishing principles that are foundational to modern democracy. Its structure, allowing for elected representation, influenced later legislative systems across all states. The assembly's emphasis on local governance and citizen involvement reflected key democratic values such as accountability and civic participation, which continue to shape contemporary political frameworks in the United States today.

Related terms

Virginia Company: A joint-stock company that established the Jamestown settlement and governed Virginia, providing the framework for the creation of the House of Burgesses.

Colonial Assembly: A governing body in the colonies that had legislative powers, often consisting of elected representatives from various regions.

Self-Governance:

The practice of governing oneself or having control over one's own affairs, which was increasingly embraced by American colonies as they developed their political institutions.