LAD #1: Mayflower Compact and the Fundamental orders of Connecticut

1. What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

Some of the concepts that were included in the Mayflower compact were the establishment of some form of government as well as the concept of a majority rule in the new settlement.

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 and new world because the settlers at Plymouth Rock based their governmental ideals on some of the ideals taken from the "Old World" British laws. The settlers also pledged allegiance to the king. However, the settlers also incorporated their own ideals into the compact that would be characteristic of "New World" ideals such as some democratic ideals as well as forming their own local government.

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

They differed because the mayflower compact was not intended to set up a firm, permanent government. It was established to form some sort of government in order to keep the settlers from becoming reckless as well as making sure they would abide to the laws that they managed to establish. However, the Fundamental orders of Connecticut were established to form a permanent form of government, one that would be democratic and would involve the people as well as provide a strong local government. In addition, the Fundamental orders set up precedents for later constitutions because of the democratic ideals included in the Fundamental Orders.

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

They took this approach because they needed a stronger government. The Fundamental orders combined several towns into one unified body. This required more laws and a stronger government in order to do this. The colonists also desired a permanent, unified 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?

In response to a fear that one person would seize power, the Fundamental orders set up their government on a democratic basis. The officials were elected by the people in elections. In addition, the Fundamental Orders made it impossible for one person or a limited few to seize total control of the government because it partially limited the powers of government.