Virginia and Virginians eminent Virginians, executives of the colony of Virginia from Sir Thomas Smyth to Lord Dunmore. Executives of the state of Virginia, from Patrick Henry to Fitzhugh Lee. Sketches of Gens. Ambrose Powel Hill, Robert E. Lee, Thos. Jonathan Jackson, Commodore Maury |
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A LIBERAL CONSTITUTION.
Another change was now to take place. A new constitution was prepared
for Virginia, and Sir Francis Wyatt was appointed to supersede
Yeardley in the government. The new code was modeled after the
English constitution, and was a long step toward representative government.
It acknowledged the right of petition, and of trial by jury; but
the most remarkable provision was that which bestowed the power upon
the House of Burgesses to veto any objectionable acts of the company.
| Virginia and Virginians | |