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The Mayflower Compact is a free printable Grade 3 to Grade 5 social studies worksheet on how the Mayflower Compact set up self-government, aligned to C3 Framework indicator D2.Civ.5.3-5. It prints 5 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two students in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.

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Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. All 25 sets ask different questions.

The Mayflower Compact

D2.Civ.5.3-5

NameDate

Read the source and answer the questions, then circle the right answers.

1.Look at the source, then answer the questions.

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. 1. What does the extract not tell you about who had a say?
  2. 2. Why is the compact an early example of self-government?
  3. 3. What did the signers combine themselves together into?
  4. 4. Where and when was the compact signed?
2.What is self-government?
  • A.People making their own laws and choosing their leaders
  • B.A king ruling with no laws
  • C.Living with no rules at all
3.Why did the Pilgrims write the Mayflower Compact before going ashore?
  • A.They wanted to declare independence
  • B.They had landed outside the area their permission to settle covered
  • C.The king ordered them to write it
4.Which colony was the Mayflower Compact written for?
  • A.Jamestown
  • B.Georgia
  • C.Plymouth Colony
5.In which colony did the House of Burgesses meet?
  • A.Plymouth
  • B.Virginia
  • C.Pennsylvania

LessonPrint · D2.Civ.5.3-5 · Set 20 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — The Mayflower Compact

Set 20. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.1. It does not mention women or children at all; only the 41 men signed. 2. The signers agreed to make their own laws together and to obey them. 3. A civil body politic. 4. Aboard the Mayflower off Cape Cod, in November 1620.
  2. 2.People making their own laws and choosing their leaders
  3. 3.They had landed outside the area their permission to settle covered
  4. 4.Plymouth Colony
  5. 5.Virginia

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to D2.Civ.5.3-5 of the C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards.