What kind of government did the Jamestown colony have?

The original government of the Jamestown Colony was determined by the King of England. As the first settlers set sail on three different ships, a sealed box was also aboard that named the members of the governing council for the new colony. This small council was to follow the instructions of England, and in return, England would provide them with needed supplies. The box was not to be opened until they reached their destination, which created uncertainty among the men about who would be in charge. In April 1607, when the box was opened, it wasn’t long before fighting broke out between the men. Two years later, England developed a new government to assuage the problems, in which a treasurer was in charge and a governing council was the permanent administrative body. There was also a new position of governor, who held many powers in the colony.
Another government reform occurred in 1618, in which Sir George Yeardley introduced two new councils. One council was formed to help the governor, and those members were chosen by the Virginia Company of London. The other council, known as a “generall Assemblie,” included the governor’s council as well as two representatives from each town and large plantations. These representatives were chosen by those who lived in the respective towns or plantations. With this new government, decisions were made by a majority vote, people had more of a voice, and the power of the governor and his council were kept in check.