In the Mayflower Compact, the Pilgrims promised "all due submission and obedience" as a means of establishing a framework for governance and social order among themselves. The Compact was written in 1620, when the Pilgrims found themselves outside the jurisdiction of the Virginia Company, which had authorized their settlement.
By pledging to submit and obey the laws and regulations that they would establish, the Pilgrims aimed to create a cooperative and cohesive society in the new land. This vow of obedience underscored their commitment to working together for the common good, ensuring that decisions would be made democratically and that everyone would adhere to the agreed-upon rules. The language of "submission and obedience" reflects a collective acknowledgment of authority, which was critical for maintaining order in their new community, particularly in the face of potential challenges from the environment and interactions with Indigenous peoples.
Overall, the promise represented their desire for self-governance and mutual support in a new and uncertain environment, laying the groundwork for future democratic principles in America.