{\b The Mayflower Compact}.

{\b General Outline}.

Shortly after their landfall off Cape Cod the Pilgrims formally agreed between 
themselves to a form of self-government while at anchor aboard the Mayflower.

{\b Historical Background}.

The Pilgrims were a separatist group which practised "congregationalism" and 
were opposed to the Episcopal nature of the Church of England. They were led 
by William Bradford. They had been given a charter by the Virginia Company to 
settle in Virginia. Their right to settle and establish their own government 
was only valid in Virginia. However, the Mayflower made her landfall instead 
in New England, where the terms of the patent did not apply. Because of this, 
and worried about the difficulty of controlling their more aggressive members, 
the Pilgrims agreed to form a "civil body politic" on November 21st, 1620 (New 
Style Date; the Old Style Date was November 11th, 1620).

{\b Basic Features}.

The 'Mayflower Compact' established laws and an administration for the overall 
benefit of the settlers. The agreement was signed by all of the adult males, 
except for one invalid and eight servants. It required them to submit to 
decisions made by majority.

Because the 'Mayflower Compact' was agreed for use by the Pilgrims in New 
England, whereas their charter was valid only for Virginia, it had no real 
effect in law. However, as a covenant to form a local government it is 
recognised as having the "strength of common consent."  It remained in use 
until the settlement at Plymouth became part of the Dominion of New England in 
1986, which then became part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1691.

{\b Conclusion}.

The 'Mayflower' Compact was an important step in the development of the 
democratic form of government in the American colonies.