LAD #1: Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut:

The Mayflower Compact and the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

(Artist's depiction of the signing of the Compact)

1) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

The compact contains several main concepts, firstly a promise to uphold and further God and Christianity, then to remain loyal to the King of England, and finally, but in a way most importantly to American history, a promise by all signers to follow and submit to all laws and ordinances set forth by the colony for the greater good of the colony.

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

The compact's attachment to the Old World can be seen in its pledge to remain loyal to the King of England and to the Christian Religion. Meanwhile, its connection to the New World is best illustrated by its promise to enact and submit to laws for the sake of the general good of the colony (as opposed to in the name of a higher class, religion, or King).

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

The Fundamental Orders were a specific set of written laws addressing how the government of the three towns under them would operate, whereas the Mayflower Compact was more of a pledge to create a fair government and follow the rule of law it set forth.

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

The colonists desired an orderly and just government to keep the peace between their three towns and to maintain the unity of the Christian faith in Connecticut. 

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 firstly mandate that magistrates be elected by ballot and that Connecticut's two General Assemblies must meet at set dates. In addition, the Orders allow provisions for Freemen from each town to observe the electoral process, and to take power with the town constables if the two General Assemblies are not called. All of these democratic procedures are safeguards to a local tyranny, and thus show that the colonists feared one small group or person becoming all-powerful in their government.

Both of these documents reminded me of the US Constitution, which also set down basic written laws, and sought to safeguard its people from tyranny.