The Pilgrims, who settled in Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts in 1620, established a unique form of government that was a precursor to modern democratic principles. Upon their arrival, they created the Mayflower Compact, a governing document signed by 41 of the male passengers aboard the Mayflower.
The Mayflower Compact established a self-governing colony based on the consent of the governed. It emphasized the importance of creating and following agreed-upon laws and procedures for the general good of the colony. While not a constitution in the formal sense, it set a foundation for governance by establishing an agreement to work together for the colony's welfare.
The government of Plymouth Colony itself was a representative democracy, where the settlers elected their own leaders and had the power to create laws. The governor was elected annually, and a General Court (the colony's legislative body) was formed, consisting of the governor and assistants, as well as an assembly of freemen (voting members of the colony).
In summary, the Pilgrims' government was characterized by early democratic principles, self-governance, and a focus on the consent of the community, setting the stage for future developments in American governance.