The Virginia House of Burgesses differed from the government established by the Mayflower Compact in several ways. Firstly, the House of Burgesses was a representative assembly, while the government established by the Mayflower Compact was more of a direct democracy. This means that in the House of Burgesses, the colonists elected representatives to make decisions on their behalf, whereas in the Mayflower Compact, all the adult males in the colony had a direct say in decision-making.
Another difference between the two governments was the economic hardship and distrust that existed among the Virginia colonists. The House of Burgesses was established in 1619 in response to the economic struggles faced by the Virginia colony. The colonists were unable to acquire land, and there was a growing sense of frustration and discontent. The establishment of the House of Burgesses was seen as a way to address these economic issues and give the colonists a voice in their own governance.
On the other hand, the government established by the Mayflower Compact was more focused on the establishment of a religious community. The Pilgrims who settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, were seeking religious freedom and wanted to create a society based on their own beliefs and values. The Mayflower Compact was a document that outlined the principles and rules that would govern the colony, and it was signed by all the adult males on board the Mayflower. This government was more communal in nature and focused on the collective well-being of the community, rather than individual economic concerns.
Lastly, the Virginia House of Burgesses and the Mayflower Compact differed in their attitudes towards slavery. The House of Burgesses played a significant role in the establishment and expansion of the institution of slavery in Virginia. In fact, it was in Virginia that the first recorded shipment of African slaves arrived in the English colonies in 1619. Slavery became a central part of the economy and society in Virginia, and the House of Burgesses passed laws to regulate and perpetuate the institution.
In contrast, the Mayflower Compact did not address the issue of slavery directly. The focus of the Pilgrims was on religious freedom and the establishment of a self-governing community. Slavery was not a significant part of their society, and it was not until later in the history of the Plymouth Colony that African slaves were introduced.
The Virginia House of Burgesses and the government established by the Mayflower Compact differed in their form of governance, their economic concerns, and their attitudes towards slavery. The House of Burgesses was a representative assembly that addressed economic hardships and played a role in the expansion of slavery in Virginia, while the Mayflower Compact established a more communal government focused on religious freedom and did not directly address slavery.