SW 24 Early Colonial Democracy

House of Burgesses

1619 - The Virginia House of Burgesses formed, the first legislative body in colonial America. Later other colonies would adopt houses of burgesses.

New England Confederation

1643 - Formed to provide for the defense of the four New England colonies and also acted as a court in disputes between colonies

Direct Democracy

A form of government in which citizens rule directly and not through representatives

1619

The year when the first U.S representative assembly was established - House of Burgesses (Jamestown, Virginia)

Colonists

a person who lives and works in a colony

Colonial America

a time period that began when Pilgrims landed at Plymouth and ends when the 13 colonies declared their independence from England (1607-1776)

Democracy

a type of government in which people choose leaders by voting

Dorchester

a booming neighborhood in the city of Boston, Massachusetts; established the town meeting form of local government

town hall meetings

a direct form of government; allows people to have a chance to speak, listen to their neighbors, discuss concerns and ideas, and make informed decisions; allow people to practice their First Amendment right to free speach

legislative assembly

a group of men who were elected to represent the colonies

colony

an area that is located in a place that is far away from the country that controls it

Greece

led other countries by example about direct democracy and town hall meetings

settlers

people who travel to a little known area and make a home