LAD/Blog #1: Mayflower Compact and the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

        What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

The compact was an agreement between settlers at new Plymouth, which established a government within the colony with the right to make laws when seen fit, and expect obedience and submission from all residents of the colony.

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

The Mayflower Compact established a permanent European presence and government in North America bringing the "Old" and "New" worlds together.

       

        How did the fundamental orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?

The orders of Connecticut stated in depth how the government would function, while the Mayflower compact simply stated a government was formed and it had the power to write and enforce laws.

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

The colonists of Connecticut formed their governing body in this way to preserve their liberty and rights while maintaining peace in the colony. The rules of how government should be run are written clearly and with lots of detail to prevent the abuse of power in the government.

      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 were written in a way that left no room for any person to unrightfully gain power through a loophole. The authors emphasized the way elections were to be run and the length and frequency of terms appointed members were allotted.

John Locke's philosophies are tied to these two documents as he believed man and his government agree to a figurative social contract in which man gives up certain freedoms in order to be protected by authorities and maintain peace. The colonists who agreed with the Mayflower compact agreed to said social contract too in doing this. They agreed to submission and obedience to the law in order to better the peace and preservation of the colony. Similarly, the colonists of Connecticut sacrificed total freedom in return for order and the security of their rights.