Which document is considered the first constitution in history?

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The Mayflower Compact is considered the first constitution in history because it established a framework for self-governance for the Pilgrims who settled in North America in 1620. Upon arriving at what is now Massachusetts, the settlers recognized the need for a social contract to maintain order and accountability in their new community. The Compact was essentially an agreement among the settlers, in which they pledged to create a body politic and abide by its laws. This document laid the foundation for democratic governance and set a precedent for future charters and constitutions.

The other documents mentioned serve different purposes or came later in history. The U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1787, established the current framework for the federal government. The Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, served as the first governing document for the United States but was ultimately replaced due to its inadequacies. The Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, declared the colonies' independence from British rule rather than providing a governance structure.

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