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. Why is the compact an early example of self-government?
- 2. For whose good would the laws be made?
- 3. What did the signers promise to enact, constitute and frame?
- 4. What did the signers promise to give to the laws they made?
- A.A fort built to guard Jamestown
- B.The ship that carried the Pilgrims
- C.The first elected assembly in the English colonies
- A.The king ordered them to write it
- B.They wanted to declare independence
- C.They had landed outside the area their permission to settle covered
- A.The governor and officials in England
- B.The Pilgrims of Plymouth
- C.No one at all
- A.Plymouth Colony
- B.Georgia
- C.Jamestown
LessonPrint · D2.Civ.5.3-5 · Set 8 · free to copy for classroom use