LAD/Blog #1: Mayflower Compact/Fundamental orders of Connecticut
Signing Mayflower |
The Mayflower Compact was made by the Pilgrim leaders, in which they agreed to create a government that was made according to the will of the majority of the people. Also, they pledged loyalty to the King of England and form "just and equal laws" for their colonies. The Mayflower compact was signed by forty-one male passenger aboard the Mayflower and set a standard for other constitutions to follow.
2. How does the Mayflower Compact reflect an attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?
The attachment reflected to both the Old and New worlds is shown when the pilgrims reference their loyalty to the King saying, "the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James". This establishment of their loyalty to the King shows their attachment to the Old world. The decision to create new laws shows their independent nature and the assimilation of new ideas into their New world.
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut |
3. How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact in that it was longer and more detailed in the local government set-up. Also, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut focus more on the present, the laws that will make up the government and pays no heed to the Old world, unlike the Mayflower Compact.
4. What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to the government ie.: use of written Constitution?
The colonists of Connecticut were prompted by the word of God to create a government to provide peace and unity. In essence, they wanted to have equal rights and liberties for their people.
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 Fundamental Orders prevents one or more people from absolute power by instituting laws dealing with election as well as requiring consent of the majority of the court. Also, there was to be six Magistrates selected along with the Governor so as to be prevent one person from holding all the power.
The Mayflower |
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