The Mayflower Compact
D2.Civ.5.3-5
Read the source and answer the questions, then circle the right answers.
The Mayflower Compact
An extract from the Mayflower Compact, signed by 41 men aboard the Mayflower off Cape Cod in November 1620 (spelling modernized). …do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. Words to know (written for this worksheet): covenant: make a solemn promise. civil body politic: a group of people who govern themselves. meet: fitting or proper.
- 1. How many people signed the compact, and who were they?
- 2. What did the signers combine themselves together into?
- 3. Who would make the colony's laws, according to the compact?
- 4. Why is the compact an early example of self-government?
- A.Both were written by the king
- B.Both ended slavery in the colonies
- C.Both were early steps toward self-government in the colonies
- A.Members of the assembly
- B.Free men who owned land
- C.Women and enslaved people
- A.An agreement
- B.A small ship
- C.A map of the coast
- A.Georgia
- B.Plymouth Colony
- C.Jamestown
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