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EncyclopediaMayflower CompactMayflower Compact, in U.S. colonial history, an agreement providing for the temporary government of Plymouth Colony. The compact was signed (1620) on board the Mayflower by the adult male passengers; it created the first American settlement that was based upon a social contract. In it, the colonists combined together in a “civil Body Politick” whose purpose was to frame just and equal laws for the general good of the colony. The compact remained the basis of government in Plymouth for ten years, and all later governments in the colony developed out of the compact. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. More on Mayflower Compact from Infoplease:
- The Mayflower Compact - The Mayflower Compact On Sept. 6, 1620, the Mayflower, a sailing vessel of about 180 tons, started ...
- Plymouth Colony: Founding - Founding Previous attempts at colonization in America (1606, 1607–8) by the Plymouth Company, ...
- The Mayflower - The Mayflower The Pilgrims' progress was forwarded by this hearty English vessel Source: The ...
- U.S. Documents - U.S. Documents The Mayflower Compact The Declaration of Independence U.S. Constitution The Monroe ...
- This Day in History: November 11 - November 11 Yesterday Tomorrow 1620 The Mayflower Compact was signed by Pilgrims aboard the ...
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