LAD #1 Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1.) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

-The concept of colonization in the new world for -what could be considered- the glory of King James of England, along with the basic idea for a similar religion in this region of the New World. There is also the concept of self-government hinted at, as reflected in the quotation, "...hereof do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Officers...as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due Submission and Obedience", although at the end it may be implied that the obedience may be toward the officers in the colony or the King.


2.) How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?

- The Compact reflected on how the religion of both 'worlds' were similar, and the spread of the Christian Faith became a goal for many of the colonists in the new world. The "Old" and "New" worlds both had some common ground as well, as most settlers overseas shared the same background as some people back in England and the rest of Europe. As for further attachment, the colonists all but promised continued loyalty to King James of England, also going as far as referring to him as their "Sovereign Lord."

3.) How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?
- The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut dealt mainly establishing a form of government in Connecticut, and had little to do with anything else in the colony. Although the Mayflower Compact did in fact hint at some ideas of self-governing, there was no concrete evidence of it every actually happen in that time. The Fundamental Orders set up an entire system of Magistrates and a Secretary, along with elections and how one way to go about it. These Orders revealed the backbone of a planned government, while the Mayflower Compact as a whole did not.


4.) What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?

-These colonists were residing in a fairly large number along the Connecticut River, and believed that an established government would be needed to keep them all together in order to maintain peace. It was also thought that this was the idea of prosperity and unity according to God, as religion played a key role in most of their lives. This written Constitution was not only forming a government in the colony, but uniting the people within it -through both religious and social aspects-, and also may have been written as a way of unknowingly showing that the colonies had the basic ideas of how to take care of themselves.

5.) In what significant way(s) does the Fundamental Orders reflect a fear of and safeguard against the usurping of power by one person or a chosen few?

-The Orders allowed for one Governor for a year, yet there would always be six other Magistrates with power at the time, and all would have the power to administer justice as seen fit. Freemen also had the ability to 'petition' the Governor or the Magistrates neglected or refused to call the General Court when necessary. Towns were also able to four Freemen to each General Court, therefore having somewhat of a say in the laws and orders that were to be passed in the towns. All actions were to be voted upon as well, and none of the Courts could disassemble without the consent of the majority in said Court. Complete power was not given to one sole person, rather it was divided amongst a body of colonists, each with their own degree of control.