The Mayflower Compact, signed in 1620 by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, outlines two main ideas that laid the foundation for governance in the New World.
First, the concept of self-governance is fundamental to the Compact. The signers agreed to form a government for their new colony, based on the consent of the governed. This was a significant shift from the previous reliance on dictates from overseas authorities and set the stage for a more democratic form of governance.
Second, the notion of community and collective responsibility is prominent in the Compact. The signers pledged to work together for the good of their new society, establishing a commitment to uphold laws created for the common welfare. This idea promoted unity and accountability among the settlers, which was crucial for their survival in a new and challenging environment.