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Mayflower Compact: Early American Democracy Document — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

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This comprehensive history reading passage explores the Mayflower Compact, one of the earliest examples of self-government and democracy in colonial America. Students will analyze the causes and motivations that led the Pilgrims to create this significant document, examine the challenges faced during the voyage, and compare multiple perspectives among the settlers. The passage integrates primary source quotes and models historical reasoning, while also providing a glossary of key academic vocabulary. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and a graphic organizer, all designed to deepen understanding and critical thinking skills. A Spanish translation and read aloud audio are available for accessibility. This resource aligns with C3 Framework standards D2.His.2.3-5, D2.His.3.3-5, as well as Common Core RI.4.3, RI.4.4, and W.4.2.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Mayflowercompact.jpg
Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Mayflower Compact was the first written agreement for self-government in what would become the United States. In November 1620, over one hundred English colonists, known as the Pilgrims, arrived at Cape Cod aboard the Mayflower. Their original goal was to settle near the Hudson River, but a storm forced them hundreds of miles north. This unexpected change led to disagreement and uncertainty. Some passengers, not bound by the Pilgrims' religious goals, argued that the original charter did not apply in this new place. This created a serious problem: who would be in charge?

To solve this conflict, the adult male passengers wrote and signed the Mayflower Compact. This document was a compact, or formal agreement, to create laws and govern themselves as a group. The signers promised to make decisions based on the consent of the governed, meaning everyone would have a voice. The Compact established a basic framework for government, with rules for order and cooperation. No single person would have absolute power. Instead, authority would come from the community's agreement.

This act was significant because it represented a new approach to government in the colonies. Unlike monarchies in Europe, where a king or queen held all power, the Mayflower Compact was an early example of democracy. It set a precedent for future colonial governments that would be based on consent and shared responsibility. This principle of ruling by the will of the people would eventually influence the creation of the U.S. Constitution more than a century later.

However, the Compact was not a perfect solution. Only adult males signed it, leaving women, children, and servants without a direct say. Still, it provided a model for later documents and practices. The idea that government should be based on the agreement and participation of the people became a powerful tradition in America.

After signing the Compact, the Pilgrims faced a harsh winter and many hardships. Yet, the agreement helped them maintain order and unity as they built their settlement in Plymouth. The Compact's legacy can be seen in later American documents, such as the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut and, eventually, the U.S. Constitution.

By creating the Mayflower Compact, the Pilgrims addressed immediate challenges and shaped the foundations of American democracy. Their decision to rule by consent rather than force set a lasting example for generations to come.

Interesting Fact: The original Mayflower Compact document has been lost, but its words were recorded by early colonial leaders and survive in several copies.

What was the Mayflower Compact?

A written agreement for self-governmentA new ship for the PilgrimsA map of the Hudson RiverA letter to the King

Why did the Pilgrims create the Compact?

They landed outside their charter areaThey wanted to return to EnglandThey needed more suppliesThey disagreed about religion

Who signed the Mayflower Compact?

Adult males on the MayflowerAll passengersOnly the ship's captainNative Americans

What did the Compact set as a precedent?

Democracy and self-governmentReligious freedom onlyMonarchy ruleTrade with England

How was the Compact different from European monarchies?

Power came from the peopleOnly the king ruledNo laws were madeOnly women could decide

What was one limitation of the Compact?

Only men could signIt included all adultsIt was enforced by EnglandIt was never written