Virginia's House of Burgesses

Definition

Virginia's House of Burgesses was the first elected legislative assembly in the American colonies, established in 1619. It represented a significant step toward self-government and democratic practices in colonial America, allowing landowners in Virginia to elect representatives who would make laws and decisions on their behalf. This assembly played a crucial role in shaping colonial governance and laid the groundwork for future legislative bodies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The House of Burgesses was established to give colonists a voice in governance, marking a shift from rule by appointed governors to a more representative form of government.
2. Members of the House of Burgesses were elected by male landowners, creating a system that favored wealthier individuals and property holders.
3. The assembly met initially in Jamestown but later moved to Williamsburg, where it continued to meet until the American Revolution.
4. The House of Burgesses asserted its authority by passing laws that were sometimes in conflict with the wishes of the royal governor, demonstrating early resistance to centralized control.
5. This assembly laid important foundations for democratic practices in America, influencing later legislative bodies and contributing to the development of representative democracy.

Review Questions

• How did Virginia's House of Burgesses influence the concept of self-governance in the American colonies?
  • Virginia's House of Burgesses was pivotal in introducing self-governance by establishing an elected body that allowed colonists to participate in law-making. This assembly empowered landowners to choose their representatives, giving them a direct voice in their government. Its establishment marked a critical transition from autocratic rule to a more democratic system, influencing other colonies to adopt similar legislative assemblies.
• In what ways did the composition of the House of Burgesses reflect social hierarchies within colonial Virginia?
  • The House of Burgesses was primarily composed of wealthy white male landowners, reflecting the social hierarchies prevalent in colonial Virginia. This exclusivity meant that representation was skewed towards those with economic power, marginalizing poorer citizens and women who could not vote. The structure reinforced existing class divisions while also highlighting tensions between elite interests and broader calls for representation.
• Evaluate the significance of the conflicts between the House of Burgesses and the royal governor regarding legislative authority and how these conflicts contributed to revolutionary sentiment.
  • Conflicts between the House of Burgesses and the royal governor showcased early colonial challenges to British authority, particularly regarding legislative power. As the House asserted its right to pass laws independently, it set a precedent for resistance against centralized control. These tensions not only fueled revolutionary sentiment among colonists who sought greater autonomy but also laid the groundwork for the broader struggle for independence during the American Revolution, as colonists increasingly demanded a government that represented their interests.

Related terms

Jamestown:

The first permanent English settlement in North America, founded in 1607, which served as the political and economic center for Virginia and where the House of Burgesses was established.

Colonial Assembly: A legislative body formed in the colonies, composed of elected representatives responsible for creating laws and governing local affairs.

Burgess: An elected representative in the House of Burgesses who had the authority to propose and vote on legislation affecting the colony.