📖

The House of Burgesses: America's First Legislature

Colonial Government and Self-Rule

Day 31of 180
Week 7of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand the concept of representative government

2

Learn about the first legislative assembly in colonial America

3

Explore how democratic principles develop

📖 Scripture Connection

Exodus 18:21

“Moreover you shall provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.”

— Exodus 18:21 (WEB)

Shows biblical principles of selecting wise and godly leaders

📦 Materials Needed

  • Large paper map of Virginia
  • Colored markers
  • Paper for drawing
  • Pencils
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Welcome students and explain that today they'll learn about the first representative government in America

💭 Review Question: What does 'representative' mean?
2Teaching (10 min)

Explain the establishment of the House of Burgesses in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619, describing how colonists began creating their own system of government

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • First representative assembly in America
  • Elected by landowners
  • Gave colonists a voice in decisions
  • Model of future democratic processes
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • Why do you think people wanted to have a say in their government?
  • How is the House of Burgesses similar to how we make decisions today?
  • What makes a good leader?
3Activity: Create Your Own Colonial Assembly (10 min)
hands-on

Students create a small model government with roles and rules

📝 Instructions:
  1. Divide class into small groups
  2. Each group designs a mini-government
  3. Create rules and choose leaders
  4. Present their government to the class
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Teacher provides more specific guidelines

Challenge: Students must address potential conflicts in their government system

4Closing (5 min)

Recap key points about representative government

📝 Review Questions:
  • Where was the first legislative assembly?
  • What made the House of Burgesses important?
  • How do we see representative government today?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for giving us wisdom to work together and make good decisions. Help us to be fair and kind in how we lead and follow.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn about town meetings in New England

💎 Memory Verse

Romans 13:1

“Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.”

— Romans 13:1 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Pass the Verse: Students toss a ball, and whoever catches it must say the next word

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

The House of Burgesses was a crucial step in developing democratic principles in colonial America

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Discuss the importance of having a voice in government
  • Emphasize respectful leadership
  • Connect historical concepts to modern experiences
🤔 Common Struggles:

Understanding complex governmental concepts

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Ability to explain basic principles of representation

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research more about early colonial governments
  • Create a timeline of governmental development
  • Write a fictional diary entry from a House of Burgesses member

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 32 →Back to History & Social Studies