Final answer:
The first English settlement at Jamestown contributed to the development of government in the American colonies by establishing a precedent for self-government with the House of Burgesses. Over time, the colonies experienced a significant degree of autonomy, which was fostered by impractical communication delays with Britain and allowed colonial assemblies to gain more power and public support.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first English settlement at Jamestown, established in 1607, played a significant role in the development of government within the American colonies. The establishment of the House of Burgesses in 1619 marks a notable point as it represents the first instance of a representative government in the New World. This form of self-government set a precedent that would carry on throughout the colonies, allowing them to manage many of their own affairs despite the overarching authority of the British Crown.
Colonial governments were structured in a way that resembled the British governmental system, with a governor, an upper house, and a lower house, similar to the king, his council, and Parliament. Notably, colonial assemblies often made decisions independently of the British Crown due to the impracticality of long communication delays, leading to a form of autonomy that contributed to the colonists' unique identity and eventually, their pursuit of independence.
The colonial administration evolved over time, with the British monarchy seeking to establish efficient administrative systems, reflected in legislation such as the Navigation Acts. These acts and the general laissez-faire approach allowed the colonies a degree of self-governance which laid the foundation for the political development and attitudes toward self-representation that defined American politics leading up to the Revolution.