Mayflower Compact
The first governing document of Plymouth Colony
Real World Example
The Mayflower Compact was a set of rules created by the Pilgrims in 1620 to ensure order and cooperation in their new colony, Plymouth, in what is now Massachusetts. It was important because it represented one of the first forms of self-government and social contracts in the English colonies, emphasizing the idea of governing through the consent of the governed. It played a crucial role by uniting the settlers in a common purpose and establishing a foundation for democratic principles. Today, the Compact's ideas of self-governance and collective decision-making are reflected in democratic societies where citizens vote on laws and leaders. For example, when people vote in local elections, they are participating in a process that values community input and cooperation, much like the original signers of the Mayflower Compact intended.
