When they reached North America, the group opened sealed instructions and found that Smith was chosen as one of the seven leaders of the new colony. Jamestown had one simple rule “He that will not work, will not eat.” When King James I lost absolute power of Jamestown the legislative assembly was created, and some of the power of government was trickling down into the hands of the settlers. As a result, the first representative government began in 1619 with the convening of a general assembly. Most laws passed pertained to tobacco, taxes, and measures against social problems, like drunkenness, idleness, and gambling