Virginia's House of Burgesses — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This passage explores the House of Burgesses, the first representative government in colonial America. Students will learn about the founding of Jamestown, the creation of this important legislative body, and how it gave settlers a voice in their own laws. The narrative highlights themes of unity, problem-solving, and the beginnings of democracy in what would become the United States. Key vocabulary words are bolded and explained in a glossary to build reading comprehension and historical understanding. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, a timeline, and a graphic organizer. The passage, which aligns with the C3 Framework and Common Core standards, also comes with a read aloud audio and a full Spanish translation to make history accessible to all students.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"[Patrick Henry before the Virginia House of Burgesses May 30, 1765]" by Jones, Alfred, 1819-1900 / Library of Congress.

The House of Burgesses was the first representative government in colonial America. In 1607, English settlers arrived in Virginia and built the town of Jamestown. Life was hard for the settlers. They needed rules to help everyone live and work together.

At first, the Virginia Company in England made all the important decisions. They chose leaders and created laws for the colony. But the settlers wanted to have a say in how they were governed. They believed, "no taxation without representation," which meant they wanted a voice in making laws and taxes that affected their lives.

In 1619, the Virginia Company agreed to let the colonists form their own assembly. This group was called the House of Burgesses. The word burgess means a person chosen to represent others. Only men who owned land could vote to elect burgesses.

The first meeting of the House of Burgesses took place in a small wooden church in Jamestown. There were 22 men at the meeting. They talked about problems, made new laws, and worked to protect the colony. For example, they decided how to plant crops and keep people safe from danger.

The House of Burgesses was important because it was the first time settlers could help make their own laws. It taught people the value of democracy. Over time, other colonies started their own assemblies. This helped shape the government of the United States.

One member, John Pory, wrote about their work: "We have not dealt with matters of small moment, but of great importance to the colony." His words show how serious the burgesses took their job.

The House of Burgesses met for many years. It became a symbol of freedom and self-government. Later, leaders like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson served there before the American Revolution.

Interesting Fact: The House of Burgesses was the first group in North America to pass laws against slavery in 1619, showing early debates about freedom and rights.

What year was Jamestown founded?

1607161914921776

What was the House of Burgesses?

First representative governmentA churchA farmA ship

Who could vote for burgesses?

Men who owned landAll peopleOnly womenChildren

Why was the House of Burgesses important?

Let settlers make lawsBuilt JamestownFought a warBecame a church

What did John Pory say about their work?

"Matters of great importance""Very boring meetings""We built many houses""We all left early"

What is a burgess?

Person chosen to represent othersA type of buildingA toolA holiday