The Mayflower Compact

American history · government · Pilgrims · early colonies

A promise to share power. The Mayflower Compact was an agreement written by the men on the ship in 1620 that promised they would make laws together for the good of their new colony. It showed that people could govern themselves instead of always being told what to do by a king far away.

Written on the ship. Before the Pilgrims even stepped off the Mayflower, 41 male passengers signed the Compact while still aboard the ship. It was their plan to create a fair community where everyone would follow the same rules.

Still loyal to the King. Even though the Pilgrims had left England because they disagreed with the Church of England, the Compact promised loyalty to King James I. This careful wording helped them avoid big trouble with the English government.

Government by agreement. The Mayflower Compact created one of the earliest examples of people voting and deciding on laws together. This idea of self-government would later influence how the United States was founded.

Rules for Plymouth Colony. The Compact guided Plymouth Colony for many years and helped keep the settlement organized and peaceful during its early, difficult years.