Bringing the English heritage to America

The VA House of Burgesses 1 st permanent settlement in Jamestown 1 st permanent settlement in Jamestown Founded in 1607 by VA Co Founded in 1607 by VA Co Chartered by King James I Chartered by King James I

HOB (cont) Colony run by governor and council appt by VA Co Colony run by governor and council appt by VA Co 1619: colonists chose two reps (burgesses) from each county 1619: colonists chose two reps (burgesses) from each county Formed HoB Formed HoB

HOB (cont) HoB 1 st rep assembly in colonies HoB 1 st rep assembly in colonies Little power Little power VA became a royal colony VA became a royal colony Appt new gov- but HoB was allowed to continue Appt new gov- but HoB was allowed to continue

The Mayflower Compact On the Pilgrim’s journey, they realized they needed rules. On the Pilgrim’s journey, they realized they needed rules. 41 men signed Mayflower Compact. 41 men signed Mayflower Compact.

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 laws Signers pledged to obey laws Set up direct democracy – only adult males were allowed to vote. Set up direct democracy – only adult males were allowed to vote.

MC (cont) Still have direct dem in NE today- town hall meetings Still have direct dem in NE today- town hall meetings

Early colonial govs As new colonies formed, started own govs. As new colonies formed, started own govs. Each col had a governor (either elected or apptd) Each col had a governor (either elected or apptd) Each had a legislature, elected by adult free males Each had a legislature, elected by adult free males

Early colonial govs (cont) As Great Britain became more self involved, colonists were given more freedom to self govern Felt comfortable solving problems without GB