The Mayflower Compact and the Virginia House of

Burgesses are most closely associated with

(1) abuses by absolute monarchs.

(2) establishment of religious toleration.

(3) steps toward colonial self-government.

(4) adoption of universal suffrage.

Answer: (3) steps toward colonial self-government.

Explanation:The Colony of Virginia was founded by an English stock company, the Virginia Company, as a private venture, though under a royal charter. Early governors provided the stern leadership and harsh judgments required for the colony to survive its early difficulties. As early crises with famine, disease, Native American attempts to retake land, the need to establish cash crops, insufficient skilled or committed labor, the colony needed to attract enough new and responsible settlers if it were to grow and prosper.

To encourage settlers to come to Virginia, in November, 1618 the Virginia Company's leaders gave instructions to the new governor, Sir George Yeardley, which became known as "the great charter."