The representative assembly for the colony of Virginia was called the House of Burgesses. In 1764, as part of the early build-up to the American Revolution, the House of Burgesses sent a petition to the House of Commons, the representative branch of Parliament. The petition reads as follows:

"It is essential to British liberty that laws imposing taxes on the people ought not to be made without the consent of representatives chosen by themselves."

• Quick Question: During the American Revolution, in what slogan was the idea contained in the above quotation most commonly expressed? Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.

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No Taxation Without Representation!

The House of Burgesses fiercely defended its right for representative government because it had a special place in the history of self-government in America. The House of Burgesses was the first representative body in the New World; it met for the first time in Jamestown in 1619.

• Quick Reflection: Why do you think the House of Burgesses sent its petition to the House of Commons? Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.

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Both the House of Burgesses and House of Commons were representative assemblies in which the people elected their leaders. However, the House of Commons could also make laws for the 13 Colonies, including Virginia, but Virginia citizens could not vote for a member of Parliament.

Structure of the House of Burgesses

A burgess is another word for delegate or representative. The House of Burgesses was a 22-person governing body responsible for the laws of the Virginia colony. Its membership included

• the governor of the colony, appointed by the King of England;
• the governor's council, six important Virginia citizens appointed by the governor; and
• the burgesses, 15 delegates of the people elected by the white, landowning, male population over the age of 17.

In order for a law to pass in Virginia, the House of Burgesses had to approve it by a majority vote. The governor had the power to veto, or reject, the law. There was no procedure to overrule a veto from the governor. However, the structure still represented more freedom than any other colony had at the time.

Activity

A series of characteristics from the House of Burgesses will appear below. After each characteristic appears, decide whether it was part of the system in colonial Virginia only or if it remains as part of the U.S. system today. Click on the map of Virginia if the characteristic only belongs to the House of Burgesses and the map of the United States if it endures.

Reflection: Think about the two lists above. Overall, how has representative government changed in the Uunited States since its start with the House of Burgesses? Do not re-list the facts, but try and think of a general concept that can be expressed in one or two sentences.

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The U.S. system of government has become more democratic and is representative of the entire population, not just a select few.