Mayflower Compact

Definition

The Mayflower Compact was a foundational document created by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower in 1620, establishing a self-governing colony based on majority rule. This agreement represented the first governing framework of the Plymouth Colony and set a precedent for future democratic governance in America, reflecting the Pilgrims' commitment to creating a community where laws were made by consent and aimed at the common good.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Mayflower Compact was signed by 41 male passengers, establishing a government that would create just and equal laws for the good of the colony.
2. This document was created because the Pilgrims landed outside their intended destination in Virginia, which invalidated their original charter.
3. The agreement reflected the Pilgrims' desire for a government based on consent rather than authority from England, highlighting early democratic principles.
4. The Mayflower Compact laid the groundwork for future colonial governance documents, influencing the development of democratic institutions in America.
5. Although it was not a constitution, it was a significant step towards self-governance and an important precursor to later American democracy.

Review Questions

• How did the Mayflower Compact influence the development of self-governance in New England colonies?
  • The Mayflower Compact served as a pioneering example of self-governance in the New England colonies by establishing a framework where laws were made by mutual consent. It demonstrated that settlers could create their own political structures based on democratic principles, which inspired other colonies to adopt similar practices. This emphasis on self-governance laid a foundation for later democratic institutions in America and encouraged participation in local government among settlers.
• In what ways did the Mayflower Compact reflect the religious motivations of the Pilgrims?
  • The Mayflower Compact was deeply influenced by the Pilgrims' quest for religious freedom and their desire to create a community aligned with their beliefs. By signing this agreement, they committed to living according to shared values and principles that would promote their spiritual mission while ensuring order and governance within their new colony. This focus on community consensus mirrored their religious convictions about collective responsibility and moral conduct.
• Evaluate the significance of the Mayflower Compact in shaping American political thought and its legacy in modern governance.
  • The Mayflower Compact is significant because it introduced key ideas about democracy, social contracts, and self-governance that resonate in modern political thought. By establishing that authority derives from the consent of the governed, it challenged traditional views of monarchy and paved the way for more egalitarian forms of governance. Its legacy is seen today in democratic systems that prioritize citizen participation and rights, making it a foundational moment in America's journey towards liberty and self-determination.

Related terms

Plymouth Colony: A British colony established by the Pilgrims in 1620 in present-day Massachusetts, known for its early struggle for survival and its role in American history.

Self-Governance: The principle that a community can govern itself, making its own laws and decisions without external control, as exemplified by the Mayflower Compact.

Pilgrims: A group of English settlers who left England seeking religious freedom and founded Plymouth Colony; they signed the Mayflower Compact to establish a social contract for their new society.