Colonial America · 1607 – 1763

The Southern Colonies: Plantation Economy

Study the development of the plantation system, cash crops like tobacco and rice, and the rise of the transatlantic slave trade.

About This Topic

Colonial government was a blend of English tradition and new American adaptations. Students examine early steps toward democracy, such as the Mayflower Compact, which established the idea of a social contract, and the Virginia House of Burgesses, the first representative assembly in the colonies. The topic also covers the limitations of these early systems, including who was allowed to vote and hold office, and the role of the colonial governor appointed by the King.

This topic lays the groundwork for understanding the American Revolution and the U.S. Constitution. It aligns with standards regarding the development of political institutions. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation as they compare different colonial charters and laws.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The House of Burgesses

Students act as 'burgesses' (representatives) and must debate a law regarding tobacco prices or land use. They experience the process of representative government and the challenges of reaching a compromise.

⏱ 45 min·Whole Class

Generate mission

Inquiry Circle: Who Can Vote?

In small groups, students look at the voting requirements for different colonies. They create a 'voter profile' for 1750 and discuss who was excluded from the democratic process and why.

⏱ 30 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Think-Pair-Share: The Social Contract

Pairs discuss what it means to 'agree to follow the rules' for the good of the group. They relate this to the Mayflower Compact and then to their own classroom rules.

⏱ 15 min·Pairs

Generate mission

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Colonial government was a full democracy.

What to Teach Instead

Only a small group of people (usually white, land-owning men) could vote. A collaborative investigation into voting laws helps students see the limited nature of early American democracy.

Common Misconception

The King had total control over every daily law.

What to Teach Instead

Because of the distance from England, colonies had a lot of 'salutary neglect' and made many of their own laws. A simulation of the House of Burgesses helps students see how much local power the colonists actually had.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Virginia House of Burgesses?

Established in 1619, it was the first representative assembly in the English colonies. It allowed colonists to elect representatives (burgesses) to make laws and set taxes, marking the beginning of representative government in what would become the United States.

What is a 'social contract'?

A social contract is an agreement among people to follow certain rules and laws in exchange for the protection and order of a government. The Mayflower Compact is a famous early example where the Pilgrims agreed to form a 'civil body politic' and obey the laws they created.

Who was allowed to participate in colonial government?

In most colonies, participation was limited to white men who owned a certain amount of property. In New England, church membership was often also required. Women, enslaved people, and many poor white men were excluded from voting or holding office.

How can active learning help students understand colonial government?

Active learning, such as simulating a legislative session, makes the abstract concept of 'representative government' concrete. When students have to represent a 'district' and vote on laws, they understand the relationship between the people and their leaders. This hands-on experience makes the later study of the Constitution much more intuitive.

Browse curriculum by country

• Americas
• US
• CA
• MX
• CL
• CO
• BR

• Europe
• UK
• IE
• FR
• DE
• ES
• IT
• NL
• PT
• SE

• Asia & Pacific
• IN
• SG
• AU