Virginia's House of Burgesses

The House of Burgesses was the first elected assembly in the English colonies of North America. It began in 1619 in Virginia, over 150 years before the American Revolution. The House of Burgesses was created so that colonists could have a say in making their own laws and rules. Before this, only the governor, who was chosen by the king of England, made the decisions.

In the early years, life in Virginia was hard. Colonists faced hunger, disease, and conflicts with Native Americans. They wanted more control over their own lives. The Virginia Company, which started the colony, allowed the colonists to elect people called representatives. These representatives were called burgesses. Each area in the colony sent two men to meet in the House of Burgesses. At their meetings in Jamestown, the burgesses made laws, discussed problems, and helped solve disagreements.

The House of Burgesses met once a year. The governor, who still represented the king, also attended. However, it was the first time the colonists had a voice in their government. They could vote for their representatives. Only free men who owned land were allowed to vote, but this was a big step toward self-government.

Over time, the House of Burgesses grew in power. It made laws about taxes, trade, and daily life. The governor and the king could still reject these laws, but colonists kept asking for more rights. The House became a place where people learned about democracy and leadership.

Many important leaders in early America, like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, served in the House of Burgesses. The ideas and debates from the House helped shape the government of the United States. The House of Burgesses was dissolved in 1776 when Virginia declared independence. Yet, its example of elected lawmaking guided the new nation.

Interesting Fact: The word "burgess" comes from an old English word meaning "citizen" or "townsman." Members of the House of Burgesses were chosen to speak for the people.