The Mayflower Compact: A Foundational Document of American Democracy

The Mayflower Compact is a crucial document in the history of the United States of America, as it lays the foundation for American democracy. It was signed aboard the Mayflower on November 11, 1620, by the Pilgrims who were bound for the New World. The Compact established a framework for self-government and the rule of law, and it was a precursor to the American Constitution.

The Mayflower Compact was a response to the challenges faced by the Pilgrims, who were traveling to a new land without any legal authority to govern themselves. They were faced with the prospect of chaos and lawlessness, which would have made it difficult for them to survive in the new world. In order to avoid this, they came up with a plan to establish a government based on the consent of the governed.

The Compact begins with the words, "In the name of God, Amen." It goes on to state that the signers "combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation." The Compact also lays out the rules for electing leaders and making laws, and it emphasizes the importance of the common good.

The Mayflower Compact is a primary source document that provides insight into the values and principles of the early settlers of America. It shows that they believed in the importance of self-government, the rule of law, and the common good. The Compact also provides evidence that the Pilgrims were deeply religious, as they began the document with an invocation of God's name.

Questions:

1. Why did the Pilgrims feel the need to establish a framework for self-government while traveling to the New World?

2. What values and principles are reflected in the Mayflower Compact?

3. How does the Mayflower Compact compare to the American Constitution in terms of establishing a framework for government?

Primary Source Quote: "In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten...having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith...do by these present, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better ordering and preservation..." - The Mayflower Compact, November 11, 1620.