Government in Colonial America

What type of government ruled Great Britain during the colonial period?

• Democracy

• Monarchy

• Oligarchy

• Republic

The Virginia House of Burgesses was the first elected representative government in the American colonies.

• True

• False

Match the following terms with a correct description:

• body of representatives that make laws

• Legislature

• citizens participate in making laws

• Monarchy

• country is ruled by a king or queen

• Self-government

Who was allowed to vote for members of the House of Burgesses in the Virginia Colony?

• All male colonists

• All land-owning males

• All white, land-owning males

• All adult males and females

Explain the significance of the Mayflower Compact in the development of self-government in the American colonies.

Answer explanation

The Mayflower Compact was important because it was one of the first times colonists made their own laws and agreed to follow them. It showed that people could work together to govern themselves and set an example for future colonies in America.

The Mayflower Compact was created because the Pilgrims:

• Wanted to establish a monarchy

• Landed in an area not legally governed by the Virginia Company

• Needed a temporary government while they searched for a suitable location

• Wanted to create a new charter

The Mayflower Compact was signed by both men AND women on the ship.

• True

• False

What was the main purpose of the Mayflower Compact?

• To declare independence from Great Britain

• To establish a new trade agreement

• To create a set of laws for self-governance

• To elect a new leader for the Pilgrims

Why was it difficult for Great Britain to directly rule the American colonies?

• The colonies were too far away

• The colonies were too small

• The colonies had no resources

• The colonies were too wealthy

In a monarchy, leaders are elected by the people.

• True

• False