What was the Mayflower Compact?

The Mayflower Compact was a foundational document for self-governance established by the Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620. This agreement was created to ensure that the settlers would collectively abide by the rules and regulations they established for their new settlement in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It represented a commitment to work together for the common good and laid the groundwork for democratic governance. The Compact emphasized the importance of majority rule and the consent of the governed, principles that would later influence the development of democratic systems in America.

This document was significant because it marked the first instance of self-governance in what would become the United States, showcasing the settlers' intention to create a society based on mutual consent and community effort. It is often viewed as a precursor to the later democratic frameworks in the country, highlighting the settlers' desire for order and cooperation in their new environment.