Mayflower Compact
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THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT
The Pilgrims came to the New World seeking a refuge from Holland. They then obtained grants for land originally for land in northern part of Virginia and began their 3.000 mile journey toward the New World. They had landed on a coast of Massachusetts, which they had named Plymouth Plantation. The Mayflower Compact was drawn out by the Pilgrims in 1620. The Pilgrims knew the only way a new settlement would work is if they had a strong government. It was a “Civil Body Politick” (a temporary government) until one could be more permanently established.
“In the name of God, Amen,” these are the very first words of the Mayflower Compact. You might ask why they felt they had to swear to God on this lawmaking document. It is simply because they came to the new World for religious freedom. This was their chance to build a town of the religious beliefs. God is first in the Pilgrims eyes. I believe that if God wasnt in this crucial document many would not agree with it.
The same applies today, on the one dollar bill it says, “In God we trust”. Although we do not practice theocracy, reminisces of the church in a legislative document and self government stem from the Mayflower Compact.
In this document it gave everyone an equal say in the way things were done. It was a social contract and covenant. They would obey the commands of their leader set in the Mayflower Compact. William Bradford was elected Governor and supervised all of the pilgrims. He was elected thirty times between 1621-1656.
In conclusion, the Mayflower Compact integrated four key points. They were all equal in the sight of God. Secondly, it reflected deep loyalty to King James despite his behavior causing the pilgrims to come to the New World in exile. This document mirrors the Pilgrims strong belief in God. Last but not least, equal laws that everyone in the colony agreed