Mayflower Compact

Definition

The Mayflower Compact was an agreement signed in 1620 by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, establishing a form of self-governance for their new settlement in Plymouth. This document is significant because it represented one of the first attempts at a social contract in the New World, laying the groundwork for future democratic principles and self-rule among the colonies. The Compact emphasized the importance of cooperation and collective decision-making among settlers, which was essential for their survival and governance in an unfamiliar land.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Mayflower Compact was signed by 41 male passengers of the Mayflower before disembarking at Plymouth Rock.
2. The document established a government based on majority rule, which was a novel concept at the time.
3. It emphasized loyalty to King James I of England, reflecting the settlers' intention to create a legitimate society under his authority.
4. The Mayflower Compact served as a foundational precedent for later democratic practices in America, influencing future state and national constitutions.
5. Although it was not a formal constitution, it provided an important framework for governance in Plymouth Colony until 1691.

Review Questions

• How did the Mayflower Compact establish principles of self-governance among the Pilgrims?
  • The Mayflower Compact established principles of self-governance by requiring all signers to agree to create laws and make decisions through majority rule. This created a system where the settlers could collectively govern themselves rather than relying on external authority, allowing them to address their specific needs in the New World. It marked a significant shift toward democratic ideals, laying the groundwork for future governance structures in America.
• Discuss the historical context surrounding the creation of the Mayflower Compact and its significance in American history.
  • The Mayflower Compact was created in response to the unique challenges faced by the Pilgrims during their voyage and after arriving in an uncharted territory. With no legal charter from England, they sought to legitimize their presence and establish order. Its significance lies in its role as one of the first expressions of democratic governance in America, influencing the development of self-rule and political organization among future colonies.
• Evaluate how the principles embodied in the Mayflower Compact influenced later American political thought and documents.
  • The principles embodied in the Mayflower Compact influenced later American political thought by promoting ideas of consent, representation, and collective decision-making. Its emphasis on self-governance inspired future documents such as state constitutions and ultimately the U.S. Constitution. The Compact's framework established a legacy that underscored the importance of popular sovereignty, whereby governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed, a fundamental principle that shapes American democracy today.

Related terms

Pilgrims: A group of English settlers who traveled to America seeking religious freedom and established Plymouth Colony.

Plymouth Colony:

The first permanent English settlement in New England, founded by the Pilgrims in 1620.

Social Contract: A philosophical concept where individuals come together to form a government based on mutual consent and agreement.