LAD/Blog #1: Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of CT

Signing the Mayflower Compact

1) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

         The concepts in the Mayflower Compact include, just and equal laws, the men, when they reach Virginia, will meet to discuss what would be good for the colony, and the men, who are acting like the government, promise Obedience and submission to the colony. 

2) How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?

            The Mayflower Compact reflects and shows it's attachment to the "Old" world because it states, "...and the Honour of our King and Country..." Meaning that although the people on the Mayflower are attempting to create laws and a new society, they are still going to honor the King, as well as the Country everyday. The Compact also reflects and shows its desire for creating a colony in the "New" world because although they are not completely written out, it is a start for the Virginia Colony to create a society different from England, that has its own laws, acts, constitutions, ect.

3) How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?

          The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut or 1639 is different from the Mayflower Compact because the Orders of Connecticut created a government that can function because of the specific laws, while the Mayflower Compact was more of an agreement the Pilgrims made. 

4) What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?

           Connecticut was not well organized prior to this document. The people decided that they needed order and fix the problems that the people were living in. They also were hoping to establish peace and union between the 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 of Connecticut

       The Fundamental Orders are very specific and the people were very careful in making sure the government was set up democratically. The people always had to vote for their officials/rulers making it very unlikely that one person or a few people could rise up and take complete control.