Source: Brooklyn Museum Embarkation of the Pilgrims Robert Walter Weir, Wikimedia
Recall from the previous section the struggles of the original Pilgrims facing the cruel winter of 1620. Freezing and becoming a bit rebellious, they needed a system of government that everyone would respect. Their solution was to sign an agreement, known as the Mayflower Compact. Compact is another word for agreement or deal.
In this section, you will analyze the Mayflower Compact and learn its contribution to the development of representative government in the United States.
Source: Brooklyn Museum Embarkation of the Pilgrims Robert Walter Weir, Wikimedia
Activity
The following is a copy of the Mayflower Compact, broken down by section. Next to each line of text is an icon that links to an audio file that explains the part. The goal is to answer the following four questions in your notes:
In order to answer these four questions, first read the document all the way through. As you read the document, take notes on the questions. Then, re-read the document, clicking on the audio links as you progress.
In the name of God, Amen
We whose names are under-written,
the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, etc.
Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia,
do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine our selves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid;
and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony,
unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.
In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod, the eleventh of November, in the year of the reign of our sovereign lord, King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Dom. 1620.