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. What does the extract not tell you about who had a say?
- 2. What did the signers promise to give to the laws they made?
- 3. What did the signers promise to enact, constitute and frame?
- 4. Who would make the colony's laws, according to the compact?
- A.A fort built to guard Jamestown
- B.The ship that carried the Pilgrims
- C.The first elected assembly in the English colonies
- A.Living with no rules at all
- B.A king ruling with no laws
- C.People making their own laws and choosing their leaders
- A.Pennsylvania
- B.Plymouth
- C.Virginia
- A.Chose the king of England
- B.Made laws for the Virginia colony
- C.Commanded the British navy
LessonPrint · D2.Civ.5.3-5 · Set 7 · free to copy for classroom use