The Mayflower Compact"

Question

Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.

The Mayflower Compact

"The Declaration of Independence"
by Thomas Jefferson

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.

Answer 1

The two historical documents you've shared—The Mayflower Compact and The Declaration of Independence—represent significant moments in the development of political thought and governance in America.

The Mayflower Compact

• Historical Context: The Mayflower Compact was drafted and signed in 1620 by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower before they landed at Plymouth Rock. It was a pioneering document in the establishment of self-governance in what would become the United States.

• Key Themes:

  1. Covenant and Unity: It emphasizes mutual commitment among the signers, stating they covenant to form a "civil Body Politick." This highlights the importance of community and collective governance.
  2. Religious Motivation: The language suggests a foundational belief in the importance of the Christian faith, indicating that their voyage and settlement were seen as serving both God and the kingdom.
  3. Rule of Law: The compact asserts the need for creating just and equal laws for the general good, showing early ideas about law and order.

The Declaration of Independence

• Historical Context: Drafted by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Continental Congress in 1776, the Declaration of Independence announced the American colonies' separation from British rule. It is one of the defining documents of American democracy.

• Key Themes:

  1. Natural Rights: It introduces the concept of unalienable rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—as fundamental truths.
  2. Consent of the Governed: The Declaration asserts that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed, reflecting Enlightenment ideas about democracy and legitimacy.
  3. Right to Revolt: It establishes the principle that people have the right to alter or abolish a government that is destructive to their rights, framing revolution as a justified response to tyranny.
  4. Prudence and Stability: The text advises against changing governments for trivial reasons, suggesting that stability and careful consideration are essential.

Comparative Analysis

• Foundation of Governance: Both documents emphasize the idea of governance by consent and collective agreement. The Mayflower Compact shows early self-governance at a local level, while the Declaration articulates a broader national principle against oppression.

• Community vs. Individual Rights: The Mayflower Compact leans more towards community obligation and collective lawmaking for the good of all, while the Declaration offers a stronger focus on individual rights and personal liberties.

• Religious vs. Secular Justifications: The Mayflower Compact integrates a religious motive for its governance, whereas the Declaration is more secular, relying on Enlightenment ideas of natural law and rights.

Overall, these documents reflect the evolution of political thought in early American society, transitioning from communal covenant and religious justification to a more individualistic, rights-based approach that would characterize the American identity and governance philosophy moving forward.