Three Virginia Charters 1606, 1609,1612

Virginia received three charters, one in 1606, another in 1609, and the third in 1612. The differences among the three charters lie primarily in the territorial jurisdiction of the company, not in the right to govern the colony. In 1609, the "sea to sea" provision was inserted, and in 1612 jurisdiction was extended eastward from the Virginia shores to include islands, such as Bermuda, in the Atlantic.

From the outset the Virginia Company was granted the authority to govern its own colony. A ruling council in England, composed of members of the joint-stock company who were usually merchants of great distinction, was formed immediately after King James I granted the charter of 1606. The councilors were appointed ostensibly by the king, but in reality were nominated by the membership, or more often, by the inner executive group of the company. The council in England issued instructions to the first settlers appointing a colonial council to make daily decisions. This group proved ineffective, and a governor, Lord Delaware, was eventually appointed. Acting under the council in England, the governor had absolute power. The authority to establish or alter a government in Virginia was based upon the charter granted by the king; in this sense, the king delegated some of his power to others.