pany in London, and the president annually chosen by the people in
Virginia.

That in the year 1610, this constitution was altered, and the company
obtained a new grant of his majesty; whereby they themselves had the
nomination of the governor, who was obliged to act only by advice in
council.

That in the year 1620, an assembly of burgesses was first called, from
all the inhabited parts of the country, who sat in consultation with the
governor and council, for settling the public affairs of the plantation.

That when the company was dissolved, the king continued the same method
of government, by a governor, council and burgesses; which three being
united were called the general assembly.

That this general assembly debated all the weighty affairs of the
colony, and enacted laws for the better government of the people; and
the governor and council were to put them in execution.

That the governor and council were appointed by the king, and the
assembly chosen by the people.

Afterwards the governor had a more extensive power put into his hands,
so that his assent in all affairs become absolutely necessary; yet was
he still bound to act by advice of council in many things.

Until the rebellion 1676, the governor had no power to suspend the
counsellors, nor to remove any of them from the council board.

Then a power was given him of suspending them, but with proviso, that he
gave substantial reasons for so doing; and was answerable to his majesty
for the truth of the accusation.

Then also this model of government by a governor, council and assembly,
was confirmed to them with a farther clause, that if the governor should
happen to die, or be removed, and no other person in the country
nominated by the crown to supply his place, then the president, or
eldest councillor, with the assistance of any five of the council,
should take upon him the administration of the government, all which are
authorized by commission and instructions to the governor.

Before the year 1680, the council sat in the same house with the
burgesses of assembly, much resembling the model of the Scotch
parliament; and the Lord Colepepper, taking advantage of some disputes
among them, procured the council to sit apart from the assembly; and so
they became two distinct houses, in imitation of the two houses of
parliament in England, the lords and commons; and so is the constitution
at this day.

Sec. 2. The governor is appointed by the crow