In November 1620, the Mayflower landed far north of its planned destination in Virginia. Since the group had no official permission to settle in this new area, some passengers argued they were not bound by any laws or leaders. To prevent disorder, several male passengers agreed to create a new plan for government. This agreement became known as the Mayflower Compact.
The Compact was signed by 41 adult men, including both Pilgrims and non-Pilgrims. It was a short document that set the rules for how the colony would be governed. The settlers promised to form a civil government and to make fair laws. They also agreed to obey the laws they created.
At the time, it was rare for ordinary people to create their own government. In England, towns held local meetings, but real political power remained with the king and his advisors. In the new colony, however, the settlers took a more active role. They agreed to make their own laws and choose their own leaders. Not long after the Compact was signed, they elected John Carver to serve as the colony’s first governor.
The Mayflower Compact was not a long-term system, but it helped keep the group united during a time of uncertainty. Its ideas about agreement, leadership, and shared responsibility became an early example of self-government. Over time, these ideas helped shape later colonial governments and the future United States.
