Mayflower Compact

Definition

The Mayflower Compact was a foundational document signed in 1620 by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, establishing a framework for self-governance in the Plymouth Colony. This compact is significant because it marked one of the first instances of a social contract in the New World, where settlers agreed to form a government and abide by its rules for the sake of order and survival in their new environment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Mayflower Compact was signed by 41 male passengers before they disembarked from the Mayflower on November 21, 1620.
2. The document established a civil body politic for the colonists, ensuring that decisions would be made based on majority rule.
3. It laid the groundwork for future governance in the American colonies, influencing later constitutional developments.
4. The Mayflower Compact emphasized cooperation and collective responsibility among settlers, reflecting their shared commitment to community survival.
5. Although it was not a formal constitution, the Mayflower Compact is often viewed as a significant step toward self-governance and democratic principles in America.

Review Questions

• How did the Mayflower Compact reflect the principles of self-governance among the early settlers?
  • The Mayflower Compact reflected principles of self-governance by establishing a framework where the settlers collectively agreed to create and follow laws for their community. This social contract emphasized that authority derived from the consent of the governed, showcasing an early form of democracy. By choosing to govern themselves rather than relying on external authorities, the Pilgrims set a precedent for future democratic practices in America.
• In what ways did the Mayflower Compact influence later colonial governance structures?
  • The Mayflower Compact influenced later colonial governance structures by providing a model for self-rule and community organization that many subsequent colonies adopted. Its emphasis on majority rule and collective decision-making became foundational principles in American political thought. As other colonies formed, they often looked to the compact's ideas of cooperation and mutual responsibility as essential elements of their own governing documents.
• Evaluate the significance of the Mayflower Compact in shaping American political identity and its lasting impact on future governance.
  • The significance of the Mayflower Compact lies in its pioneering role as an early expression of democratic governance and collective decision-making. It laid important groundwork for American political identity by asserting that legitimate government arises from the consent of those governed. This idea would resonate through history, influencing key documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, as Americans continued to prioritize principles like liberty, equality, and self-determination in their quest for governance.

Related terms

Plymouth Colony: The first permanent European settlement in New England, established by the Pilgrims in 1620, which became a model for later colonies.

Social Contract: A theory that individuals consent to form a government and abide by its laws in exchange for protection of their rights and maintenance of order.

Pilgrims: A group of English settlers who sought religious freedom and established Plymouth Colony after sailing on the Mayflower.