The Virginian settlers wanted to live by themselves, so they formed their own Government and framed laws and that was the reason why House of Burgesses was created in Jamestown by the Virginia local company.
It resembled the parliament with six government officials who formed their legislature and the Governor who is the head of the council.
The present day government is similar in functionality as per the House of Burgesses and that was the reason why Americans were able to govern themselves well after the pronouncement of Independence.