1st form of self government

Colonies had been ruled by British Officials, whom were locally elected. this was until a body of representatives, known as the House of Burgess, was created. This occurred in the colony of Virginia in 1619.

In 1619, the House of Burgesses in Jamestown, Virginia, was established as thefirst representative assembly. In 1620, the Pilgrims in Massachusetts signed the Mayflower Compact, agreeing to form a government and submit to the will of the majority.