identify central issues- explain why the pilgrims government came about and why its existence was important

Answer 1

The central issue behind the establishment of the pilgrims' government was the desire for religious freedom and the need to establish a stable and organized society in the New World. The Pilgrims, who were religious separatists, had faced persecution in England and sought a place where they could freely practice their own version of Christianity.

The Mayflower Compact, a document drafted and signed aboard the Mayflower ship in 1620, served as a temporary form of government for the Pilgrims' early settlement in Plymouth. It was important as it provided a framework for self-governance and helped maintain order and unity among the settlers.

The existence of the pilgrims' government was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it laid the foundation for democratic principles in the New World, predating the establishment of the United States by over a hundred years. The Mayflower Compact upheld the idea of consent of the governed, with all signatories agreeing to follow the laws for the "general good of the colony."

Secondly, the pilgrims' government was essential for the survival and success of the Plymouth Colony. The compact allowed the settlers to establish rules and regulations, manage limited resources, and resolve disputes peacefully. It provided a sense of stability and cooperation necessary for the community's growth and productivity.

Lastly, the existence of this government served as a precedent and a model for future colonies and settlers. The principles of self-governance and the collective decision-making process demonstrated by the Mayflower Compact influenced subsequent settlements in the New World, contributing to the development of democratic systems in North America.

In summary, the establishment of the Pilgrims' government came about due to the desire for religious freedom and the need to establish an organized society. Its importance lies in its contribution to democratic principles, the survival and success of the Plymouth Colony, and its influence on future settlements in North America.