Final answer:
The House of Burgesses was a form of local self-government in colonial Virginia, established in 1619. It was the first representative assembly in the New World, with elected representatives from each settlement or area of the colony.
Step-by-step explanation:
The House of Burgesses was a form of local self-government in colonial Virginia. It was the first representative assembly in the New World, established in 1619. This elected body consisted of burgesses, who were elected representatives from each settlement or area of the colony. The House of Burgesses had the power to pass laws and make decisions for the colony, with each settlement area allowed to elect two representatives.