Paul Cooney
AP American History
LAD 1


1) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?
The settlers at New Plymouth in 1620 came together to combine themselves into a civil “Body Politick.” The concept of uniting to better ordering and preservation is outlined here, as well as the intent to create laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and officers. Such governing policies would be intuited as needed for the good of the colony.

2) How des the Mayflower Compact reflect an attachment to both the “Old’ and “New” Worlds?
The combination of the settlers at Plymouth represented the “New” world ideals, but within the Mayflower Compact all such ideals were presented under the Reign of the Lord Kind James. This represents a link between the “Old” and “New” worlds.

3) What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?
In “Connectecotte,” the people decided to join as one Public State or Commonwealth and set a precedent for successors. The successors were to be a Combination and a Confederation for the purpose of maintaining and preserving the liberty of the resident’s religion; mainly the Gospel of Lord Jesus Christ. The purpose of a written Constitution was to preserve such liberty, as well as the discipline of the Churches. Civil affairs were also to be governed and guided by Laws, Rules, Orders, and Decrees. The colonists were scared to death of being controlled by one person, and if such rules were recorded and set in place then such a tyranny would never be a problem. For example, the Governor can only govern for one year, and the position must be handed to someone else through election. Many of the intricacies took away power from some people, giving it to others who could use it for little personal benefit. The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut protected the people.

4) In what significant way(s) does the Fundament Order reflect a fear of and safeguard against the usurping of power by one person or a chosen few?
As stated above, the colonists were petrified at the thought of having one person or a chosen few rule them. For example, in courts the Governor or Moderator shall have power to order the court. These sounds restricting but in truth they were required to give liberty of speech, silence unseasonable and disorderly speaking, and put all conflicts to vote. The Court was not aloud to be adjourned without the consent of the major part of the Court. Just enough power was given to the select few who were in charge to keep such control. Many of the Orders had to deal with who is given power, how much power, for what duration, and how that person may be taken out of or brought into power. This reflects a huge fear of the Order’s writers.