Virginia House of Burgesses and Colonial Governance

Hard Period 2: 1607–1754 Colonial Government

Between 1607 and 1754, various colonial governments established systems that would influence political organization in what would later become the United States. During this period, certain principles of governance, including representation and local autonomy, began to take shape. Different colonies adopted various structures of government, which reflected both their geographic location and the ideologies of their settlers.

Which of the following statements most accurately characterizes the governance system established by the Virginia House of Burgesses?

It was the first legislative assembly in the American colonies, allowing landowners to elect representatives.

It was a direct democracy where all eligible colonists voted on every issue.

It operated under a monarchical system controlled directly by the King of England.

It was established as a council appointed entirely by the governor without any input from colonists.

Hint

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