Identity central issues- explain why the pilgrim’s government came about and why it’s existence was important

Answer 1

The Pilgrims' government, known as the Mayflower Compact, came about due to the circumstances surrounding their arrival in the New World. They were a religious group known as the Separatists who sought to separate from the Church of England and establish their own form of worship. However, their original destination was Virginia, but due to storms, they ended up in Massachusetts in November 1620.

Realizing that they were settling outside the jurisdiction of the Virginia colony, and fearing possible tensions between the settlers, the Pilgrims felt the need to establish rules and order to ensure their survival and agreed to form the Mayflower Compact. This document served as an agreement among the settlers to create a self-governing body and established guidelines for governance and decision-making.

The existence of the Mayflower Compact was essential for the Pilgrims because it laid the foundation for self-rule and the establishment of a democratic system. As the first written framework of government in what would become the United States, it showcased the importance of a social contract and the consent of the governed. It provided a model for future colonies that came to the New World and allowed for individual participation in decision-making processes, which was a significant departure from the traditional hierarchical structure of English society.

The Mayflower Compact also played a role in shaping American identity as it emphasized the principles of self-government, equality, and the rule of law. It demonstrated the Pilgrims' commitment to establishing a society where individuals could have a say in their own governance. This concept of self-rule and the ideals embedded within the Mayflower Compact would later become influential in the American Revolution and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

In conclusion, the Pilgrims' government came about as a response to their unique circumstances, and its existence was important because it laid the groundwork for democratic ideals and served as a model for future self-governing bodies in America. It formed the cornerstone of American identity, emphasizing principles such as self-government, equality, and the rule of law.