1. THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT Why did the Pilgrims sign the Mayflower Compact? Why did the Pilgrims sign the Mayflower Compact? How did the Mayflower Compact influence American government? How did the Mayflower Compact influence American government?

3. Wrong Destination Plymouth was out of the jurisdiction of the Virginia Company. Plymouth was out of the jurisdiction of the Virginia Company. Not all of the people aboard the Mayflower were Pilgrims. Some were hired hands or indentured servants, they were referred to as “strangers.” Not all of the people aboard the Mayflower were Pilgrims. Some were hired hands or indentured servants, they were referred to as “strangers.” According to Bradford, the “strangers” threatened to rebel because no one had power to command them! According to Bradford, the “strangers” threatened to rebel because no one had power to command them!

4. The Compact Back in England, authority to govern came from the King, but here it would come from the people themselves. Back in England, authority to govern came from the King, but here it would come from the people themselves. The Compact was signed by the adult male colonists, including 2 indentured servants. The Compact was signed by the adult male colonists, including 2 indentured servants.

6. What it contained: Recognized the authority of God and the King. Recognized the authority of God and the King. Expressed the idea of self- government for the first time in the New World. Expressed the idea of self- government for the first time in the New World.

8. What it did NOT contain: The colonists had no intention of declaring independence from the King. The colonists had no intention of declaring independence from the King.

9. What’s next… Immediately elected John Carver as governor. He died less than a year later. Immediately elected John Carver as governor. He died less than a year later. William Bradford replaced him and was re- elected 30 times between 1621 and 1656. William Bradford replaced him and was re- elected 30 times between 1621 and 1656. Each year the “Civil Body Politic” of all adult males assembled to elect the governor. Each year the “Civil Body Politic” of all adult males assembled to elect the governor. As the colony grows, deputies are sent to represent each town at the General Court sessions….beginnings of representative government too. As the colony grows, deputies are sent to represent each town at the General Court sessions….beginnings of representative government too.