LAD #1: Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

A painting by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris created in 1899 depicting the signing of the Mayflower Compact.

What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

The Mayflower Compact contains the concept of a system of law and order. The document states that the colonists have agreed to abide by a set of laws, for the good of the colony, to preserve order in their new home.

How does the Mayflower Compact reflect an attachment to both the "Old" and "New" Worlds?

The connection to the Old World is seen in both the beginning and end of the compact where the Pilgrims refer to themselves as subjects of the King of England, as well as in the mention of the home nations of the men on the ship. However, there also is a connection to the New World since the document mentions the intentions of the men to "plant the first colony," which emphasizes the start of a new life in the New World.

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

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut established a formal government, mentioning a governor and a secretary among other positions of power. This system gave power to a few specific people. The Mayflower Compact, on the other hand, says that the men combine themselves into a "civil Body Politick," meaning they are all working as one to maintain order. Also, the men writing the Mayflower Compact still recognize their connection to the Old World while the drafters of the Fundamental Orders make no mention of the mother country.

What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government (use of a written Constitution)?

The colonists were motivated because of their religious beliefs. It states in the document that they want to maintain the discipline of the Church. Plus, they write that the word of God requires the setting up a government to maintain peace.

In what significant way do the Fundamental Orders reflect a fear of and safeguard against the usurping of power by one person or a chosen few?

The Fundamental Orders are designed so the citizens will not want to seize power. This is done by giving the people a say, shown in their ability to elect the governor. In addition, the citizens are given more freedom than they experienced in England, where they were subjects of the king. So, they were more satisfied and less likely to want to rebel.

The US Constitution

The Mayflower Compact and Fundamental Orders of Connecticut have a connection to the United States Constitution, written over a century later. Like the Constitution, both the Mayflower Compact and the Fundamental Orders were written in a time of need for order in a new society. The colonists both on the Mayflower and in Connecticut wrote the documents to establish basic laws and rights for the citizens, which is the same role the Constitution played for the Americans who won independence.