Mayflower Compact

Definition

The Mayflower Compact was an agreement signed by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower in November 1620, establishing a framework for self-governance in the Plymouth Colony. This document is significant as it marked one of the first instances of social contract theory being applied in the New World, laying the groundwork for future democratic governance and community organization among settlers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Mayflower Compact was signed by 41 male passengers of the Mayflower, establishing a government based on majority rule.
2. The document emphasized cooperation and collective responsibility, as it required all signers to agree to follow the laws created for the good of the colony.
3. It served as a foundational document for American democracy, influencing later governing documents such as the U.S. Constitution.
4. The Compact was drafted because the Pilgrims had landed outside their originally intended territory, thus lacking legal authority to govern themselves under existing laws.
5. Though not a constitution in the modern sense, the Mayflower Compact was a significant step toward representative government and civic responsibility in America.

Review Questions

• How did the signing of the Mayflower Compact reflect the principles of self-governance among the Pilgrims?
  • The signing of the Mayflower Compact demonstrated self-governance by establishing a system where the colonists agreed to create their own laws and govern themselves collectively. This move was essential because they found themselves outside the jurisdiction of their original charter, which prompted them to form a new governing body based on mutual consent. The emphasis on majority rule and cooperation within the Compact laid the foundation for democratic practices that would influence future American governance.
• In what ways did the Mayflower Compact influence later democratic principles in American history?
  • The Mayflower Compact influenced later democratic principles by introducing concepts such as social contract theory, collective decision-making, and rule of law based on consent. These ideas became pivotal in shaping colonial governance and were echoed in foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. The Compact's focus on cooperation among settlers set a precedent for how communities could organize themselves democratically, leading to an evolving understanding of citizen rights and responsibilities.
• Evaluate the significance of the Mayflower Compact within the broader context of colonial governance and its impact on American political development.
  • The significance of the Mayflower Compact within colonial governance lies in its role as a pioneering example of self-governing principles based on mutual agreement among individuals. This early experiment with democracy provided a model that would inspire subsequent colonial charters and governmental structures throughout New England and beyond. As America evolved politically, the ideals encapsulated in the Compact—such as individual rights, collective responsibility, and popular sovereignty—became foundational elements that shaped American political development and identity in its quest for independence.

Related terms

Plymouth Colony: A settlement established by the Pilgrims in present-day Massachusetts, which became one of the first successful English colonies in North America.

Social Contract: A theory in political philosophy that posits an implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules in exchange for protection and social order.

Self-Governance: The ability of a group or community to govern itself without external control, often through elected representatives and local laws.