LAD #1 Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

The concepts included in the Mayflower Compact revolve around first attempts to establish order, organization, and a sense of unity among the colonists. It acts as guidelines in which to follow in order to ensure security and success as these people arrive establish the first colony in northern Virginia.

2) How does the Mayflower Compact reflect an attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?

Throughout the Mayflower Compact, King James is continually referred to, implying the close connection that the colonists felt to their former home and country. Clearly, the people feel that they must uphold "the Honour of [their] King and Country." The "Old" world has a strong attachment to the "New World" as in the Mayflower Compact King James and their country are mentioned numerous times and one of the colonists main goals is to strive to honor their home by establishing a colony based off of the strong sense of structure and order that was found in Europe. In addition to honor, furthuring the Christian faith and the glory of God was also prominent in the Mayflower Compact which demonstrates the colonists desire to carry over beliefs to the New World.

3) How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?

A major way in that the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact is in that the Fundamental Orders are significantly more specific and planned out. The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document (which is another difference) and therefore contains much less detail. Another important difference between the two is that the Mayflower Compact doesn't address the subject of voting, however the Fundamental Orders allowed voting to take place. In addition, the Fundamental Orders contain a list of eleven laws in which to be followed as well as an introduction and detailed description of each law.

4) What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?

They took this approach beacause they knew that the key to order was to have a stable and controlled government that layed out the laws for people to see and understand in the use of a written form. To do this they needed unification and strength which is what the Fundamental Orders did.These Fundamental Orders provided a unifiying document that brought together the people and would be a lasting form of government.

 5) In what significant way(s) does the Fundamental Orders reflect a fear of and safeguard against the usurping of power by one person or a chosen few?

To protect against the uprising by one individual or a chosen few, the Fundamental Orders were established on a Democratic foundation as colonists could vote by the use of paper ballots. The officals were chosen by elections as well, which prevented one person from taking over power. Lastly, the government was limited to some degree which would make the oppurtunity for one or a chosen few to take power very difficult and highly unlikely.