Final answer:
The House of Burgesses, established in 1619, is considered an early model for representative democracy and set a precedent for legislative governance in the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The House of Burgesses is considered an early model for representative democracy.
Established by the Virginia Company in 1619, the House of Burgesses was the first legislative assembly of elected representatives in North America. Initially meeting in Jamestown, Virginia, it was composed of 22 elected representatives known as burgesses. This body evolved over time, expanding its membership as the colony grew. By 1643, it became the lower house of the Virginia General Assembly, with the Governor's Council as the upper house. The House of Burgesses played a significant role in the governance of the colony, passing laws on a variety of issues including tobacco cultivation, taxation, and public welfare. Its creation and functions set a precedent for future representative institutions in the colonies and laid the groundwork for the democratic governance that would later be a cornerstone of the United States.