From 1663 to 1665, there were no assemblies in North Carolina because the government was transitioning from concept to reality. Since William Drummond was appointed the first governor, most likely in October of 1664, it is remotely possible that an assembly of Freeholders might have been convened during 1664. All available information, however, indicates that the first "General Assembly" was not convened until February 6, 1665 (see 1st Assembly below).

The Concessions and Agreements of 1665 spelled out a government that was fairly liberal for the time. The Governor was to govern with the advice of the Executive Council, which was originally planned to have seven members appointed as "deputies" of the Lords Proprietors. As originally conceived, a "General Assembly" (aka Grand Assembly) was to be somewhat bicameral - with the "upper House" to include the Governor and his Executive Council, and a "lower House" to include twelve member elected by the Freeholders of each county. As things evolved, the number of representatves changed over time.

Soon, the "lower House" was to be known in Albemarle County as the House of Burgesses. Some historians incorrectly refer to this group as the House of Commons, but this name was not used in North Carolina until after statehood was achieved in 1776. As the population increased, new precincts were created, but only the four original 1668 precincts of Albemarle County, i.e., Chowan, Currituck, Pasquotank, and Perquimans, were allowed five representatives each. When Bath County was created in 1696, it was only authorized two representatives. For many years, all new precincts (which became known as counties in 1738) created out of Bath County were only authorized two representatives. However, new precincts/counties carved out of the old Albemarle County were authorized five representatives. This really irritated the Freeholders from old Bath County, but the Lords Proprietors did not change it while they still owned Carolina.

Per the Concessions and Agreements, the General Assembly was to have the following powers:
- To appoint their own times of meetings, how many make up a quorum, and when to adjourn (this was later changed)
- To enact and make all laws necessary, provided they are agreeable to the laws of England
- To constitute all courts for each county and determine their powers and jurisdictions (this was later changed)
- To lay equal taxes and assessments for mutual safety and defense, and to furnish with arms and ammunition
- To erect Baronies and Manors, to appoint harbors for lading and unlading goods
- To erect forts, castles, cities, towns and to incorporate with charters and priveleges
- To constitute a militia for the strength and defense and to suppress mutinies and rebellions, by land and sea
- To give naturalizations to those deemed fit
- To prescribe the amount of land allotted to all Freeholders and make rules for casting of lots and laying out same
- To provide for the maintenance and support of the governor and other costs of the government
- To collect all proper taxes and to distribute to proper government officials
- To enact and enforce all other laws necessary for the prosperity of the counties and precincts

House of Burgesses Under Royal Control >>