LAD #1 Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut:

• What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

The most prominent concept in the Mayflower Compact is that of a government based on the consent of the governed. First outlined by John Locke in his Second Treatise of Government, the early application of this theory in the Mayflower Compact was a surprising and symbolic step forward. The ideal of consent by the governed forms the basis of democracy, and it was an especially surprising decision considering how the men aboard the Mayflower had lived their whole lives under a monarchial government. Other prominent concepts in the Compact include the settlers' deep faith in God and in God's guidance; the settlers' resounding loyalty to the English King, despite his persecution of the settlers'; and the settlers' beliefs in mutual equality under God and under the law.

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

The Mayflower Compact reflects the settlers' deep attachments to the Old World in their continuing loyalty to the English King and in their steadfast religious beliefs. However, it also reflects their hopes and ideals for the New World in their beliefs in the equality of citizens and their formation of a government derived from the consent of the people. According to the Mayflower Compact, in looking towards the new world, the settlers were willing to discard the distinct social classes and overwhelming government of the Old World.

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

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differed from the Mayflower Compact in its design and intent. The Mayflower Compact was simply an agreement among the Mayflower's small group of settlers to cooperate in and help construct a fair government. The Mayflower Compact never specifically detailed how such a government would be run. The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut were the "next step" in the process- The Fundamental Orders specifically stated what positions would have power in government, and how people would be elected to such positions. It also laid out what powers those government positions would have.

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

The colonists of the Connecticut River Towns chose to create the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, perhaps the first written Constitution, that clearly spelled out the system of government and assured individual rights. This was a response of the Puritans and Congregationalists of the Connecticut River towns to the rapidly increasing Anglican reforms in Massachusetts. The Puritans and Congregationalists, fearing persecution and a loss of their rights as more Anglicans immigrated to Massachusetts, wished for an ecclesiastical society of their own. About four years after the creation of the Connecticut River towns, Roger Ludlow proposed and drafted the Fundamental Orders to safeguard the establishment and the individual rights of its inhabitants, and also to make Connecticut a self-ruled entity.

• 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 attempt to prevent against the usurpation of power by limiting the influence one man or a small group of men could have in government. The Orders extend voting rights to a greater percentage of the male population, which results in a wider array of diverse candidates for office. They also limit the amount of time that one man could hold office- for example, one man is not allowed to hold the Governor's office for more than two consecutive years. It also creates an early system of checks against an illegal election and disorderly conduct of people holding offices, with the power to fine poor behavior and to re-do foul elections.