The Virginia House of Burgesses, established in 1619, was the first elected representative assembly in North America. It played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of the American colonies, serving as a platform for colonists to voice their grievances and make laws. Over time, the House of Burgesses fostered a spirit of self-governance and laid the foundation for democratic institutions that would later influence the establishment of the United States. The assembly’s decisions had a significant impact on the social, economic, and political development of Virginia, contributing to its growth and prosperity.
Virginia House of Burgesses
The Virginia House of Burgesses was the first representative assembly in the Americas. It was established in 1619 by the Virginia Company of London, which governed the Virginia Colony. The House of Burgesses was composed of two burgesses from each of the colony’s 22 counties and 4 cities, for a total of 46 members. The burgesses were elected by the freeholders of each county or city.
The House of Burgesses had a number of important powers, including the power to make laws, levy taxes, and approve the governor’s budget. It also had the power to impeach the governor and other officials. The House of Burgesses was a key institution in the development of representative government in the United States.
Structure of the House of Burgesses
The House of Burgesses was divided into two houses, the House of Delegates and the Senate. The House of Delegates was composed of the 46 burgesses elected from the counties and cities. The Senate was composed of 12 members, who were elected by the House of Delegates.
The House of Delegates was the more powerful of the two houses. It had the exclusive power to initiate legislation and to impeach the governor and other officials. The Senate had the power to approve or reject legislation passed by the House of Delegates, but it could not initiate legislation on its own.
The House of Burgesses met in the Capitol Building in Williamsburg, Virginia. The sessions of the House of Burgesses were typically held from October to May.
Membership of the House of Burgesses
The members of the House of Burgesses were a diverse group of men. They included planters, merchants, lawyers, and doctors. The majority of the members were wealthy landowners, but there were also a number of small farmers and tradesmen.
The members of the House of Burgesses were also a well-educated group of men. Many of them had attended college or law school. The members of the House of Burgesses were well-informed about the issues facing the colony and were able to debate them intelligently.
Role of the House of Burgesses in the American Revolution
The House of Burgesses played a key role in the American Revolution. In 1774, the House of Burgesses passed a resolution calling for a boycott of British goods. In 1775, the House of Burgesses voted to raise an army to defend the colony against British troops.
The House of Burgesses also played a key role in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson, a member of the House of Burgesses, was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.
The House of Burgesses was dissolved in 1776, when Virginia became a state. The Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate, which were created by the Virginia Constitution of 1776, replaced the House of Burgesses.
Table of Membership and Powers of the House of Burgesses
| House of Delegates | Senate | |
| — | — | — |
| Membership | 46 burgesses | 12 members |
| Powers | Make laws, levy taxes, impeach the governor and other officials | Approve or reject legislation passed by the House of Delegates |
Question 1:
What is the Virginia House of Burgesses in terms of its historical significance and role?
Answer:
The Virginia House of Burgesses – Subject
Was the first representative legislative assembly in the Americas – Predicate
Established in 1619 – Object
Question 2:
Describe the elections and membership of the Virginia House of Burgesses.
Answer:
Elections were held annually in each of the Virginia counties – Subject
Voters were white male property owners – Object
Membership was initially restricted to wealthy landowners, but later expanded to include merchants and artisans – Object
Question 3:
How did the Virginia House of Burgesses contribute to the development of American democracy?
Answer:
The House of Burgesses served as a training ground for future political leaders – Subject
It helped establish the principle of representative government – Object
Its members played a key role in the American Revolution – Object
Well, that’s about all we have time for today on the Virginia House of Burgesses. Thanks for sticking with me through this historical journey. I hope you found it as fascinating as I did. If you’re ever curious about colonial history or just want to brush up on your APUSH knowledge, be sure to drop by again. Until then, take care and keep learning!