The Mayflower Compact: Foundation of New England Self-Government

Document and Context

Signed November 11, 1620 (O.S.) aboard Mayflower at Provincetown Harbor by 41 adult male passengers — "Saints" (Separatists) and "Strangers" (non-Separatists).

Text Essence

"In the name of God, Amen... combine ourselves together into a civil body politic... enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws... as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony... promise all due submission and obedience."

Significance

• First written self-government framework in North America (pre-dates Massachusetts Bay Charter 1629).
• Consent-based legitimacy: Authority from governed, not crown/charter.
• Majority rule: "General good" decided by voting.
• Secular civil framework: Distinct from church covenant — included non-Separatists.
• Precedent: Model for town meetings, colonial assemblies, state constitutions, U.S. Constitution.

Limitations

• Men only (women, servants, natives excluded).
• Specific to Plymouth — not general New England.
• Survived only while Plymouth independent (merged 1691).

Broader New England Self-Government

Massachusetts Bay (1629 charter → self-governing company), Connecticut (Fundamental Orders 1639 — first written constitution), Rhode Island (1644 patent → charter 1663), New Hampshire (separate 1679). All featured: town meetings, elected deputies, annual elections, property suffrage.