One of the major concepts touched upon in the Mayflower compact is the idea of self-governance. This political institution proved to be significant at the time as the colonists settled at Plymouth were still under the mercantile control of King James. In addition to its new proclamation of autonomy, the Mayflower Compact includes the idea of occasionally meeting to discuss the legislature and effectiveness of the colony so as to ensure its stability for the good of the people.
2.) How does the Mayflower Compact reflect an attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?
The Mayflower Compact reflects an attachment to the "Old" World because the colonist's express deep-rooted loyalty to their sovereign, King James multiple times throughout the document. Contrarily, the Compact incorporates a strong desire for promising colonial life in the "New" World by introducing democratic principles such as the role of the government to serve the people. By straying away from the typical forms of colonial rule previously established in the "Old" World, the colonists illustrate their sense of hope in the "New" World.
3.) How did the fundamental orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?
While the Mayflower Compact describes the ideals of an autonomous colonial government, it does not entail nearly as much information as the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut does. The Fundamental Orders contain a greater amount of specific instruction on how the government of Colonial Connecticut will be organized and will distribute power. For instance, the Orders state many of the political positions that will be held in government as well as the process in which those positions will be fulfilled. However, the Mayflower Compact is merely a general outline of such a government.
4.) What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written constitution?
One of the main factors that prompted colonists of Connecticut to use a written constitution was that it would be much faster and easier to use. In England, Parliament was often extremely slow with matters of governmental reform. So, the colonists constructed what may be the first ever written constitution in order to accelerate processes of political reform in the colony and to add clarity and unity to government there.
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?
The Fundamental Orders attempt to prevent the usurpation of power by a small number of individuals by encouraging the policy of majority rule. For example, the Orders implement a system of voting rights to an unusually large group of citizens for the time, subsequently increasing the representation of political opinion throughout the Connecticut River Towns. In addition, they place limits on the amount of time one can hold a position in government, helping to protect against corruption and lifetime authority. For instance, in the position of governor, one man is prohibited from serving more two years consecutively.
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