LAD #1: Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

Signing of the Mayflower Compact

1) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

• The Mayflower Compact ( As seen being signed on the left), created in 1620  was signed before the Pilgrim leaders disembarked from the ship. In it, they agreed to form a government that submitted to the will of the majority. They also pledged loyalty to the King of England. They also agreed to form "just and equal Laws" for their colony. This document was signed by all forty-one male passengers aboard the ship. It set the precedent for later constitutions. 

2) How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?

• The attachment reflected to both the Old and New worlds is seen through the Mayflower Compact. It is clearly seen when the Pilgrims reference their loyalty to the King, saying, "the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James". This clear establishment of the colony's loyalty shows their attachment to the Old world. The agreement to form their own laws in and of itself shows their independent nature and how they quickly adopted/nurtured New world ideals into their society.

3) How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?

• The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut was different in that it was far longer and more detailed in its set-up of a local government. The attention to detail is seen when the Orders set up ideals for tax (levies) collection and the creation of two General assemblies. While the Mayflower references its allegiance to the Mother Country and the King multiple times, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut does not make a single reference to either. The Orders were also created about 19 years after the Compact.

Connecticut Colony  

4) What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?

• Besides the fact that their were many settlements "popping up" around the Connecticut River (Windsor, Hartford and Wethersfield) and the colony needed to maintain peace; another reason would be that they believed that "the word of God requires that to maintain the peace and union" meaning that as people of God, it is their duty to create a government for the people. It is in essence because they wanted to have equal rights and liberties for their people.

5) In what significant way(s) does the Fundamental Orders reflect a fear of and safeguard against the usurping of power by one person or a chosen few?

• To prevent the usurping of power, the Fundamental Orders has many safeguards emplaced. One of which is that no Governor can be Governor more than one in two years, to prevent a dictatorship. The eligible people are also allowed to vote, as to prevent an unwanted dictator from taking power. And finally, there will be six Magistrates selected alongside the Governor so as to prevent one person from having absolute power.