Chapter 2/Section 2: Analyzing the Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact
“In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our
dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland,
King, Defender of the Faith, e&.
Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the
Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of
Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of
another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better
Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof
to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions
and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the
General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.
In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of
November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and
Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620.”
There followed the signatures of 41 of the 102 passengers, 37 of whom were members of the
“Separatists” who were fleeing religious persecution in Europe. This compact established the first
basis in the new world for written laws. Half the colony failed to survive the first winter, but the
remainder lived on and prospered.
Directions: With a partner, work together to answer the following questions:

What reasons were given for the creation of the document?

What words in the document show the seriousness of the persons who
signed it?

What was so important about the Mayflower Compact that it is still
studied as part of our history?

Did the Compact help them or hurt them as a new society?

Would the colony survived just as well without it?
Chapter 2/Section 2: Analyzing the Mayflower Compact

Could the signing of the Mayflower Compact be considered an act that
contributed to the “common good”? How?

What was the benefit of group cooperation in this situation?
Your Task:
1. In your ISN, each of you will draw a picture or cartoon demonstrating one
concept found in the Mayflower Compact. Be sure to include specific details
and speech bubbles where needed.
Chapter 2/Section 2: Analyzing the Mayflower Compact
Procedures:
Show students a compact mirror and discuss characteristics of a compact mirror
that can be related to the Mayflower Compact.
Question #1: What is this?
Wanted Response: Compact mirror
Writing the word COMPACT on the board, underline the letters PACT and discuss
what a pact is (stressing agreement).
Question #2: What is the purpose of the clasps?
Wanted Response: To hold the mirror together.
Discuss that the clasps must work together for the mirror to stay together and
not break the glass. If one clasp works and the other does not, the entire mirror is
in danger of breaking. In other words, they have a compact.
Question #3: What is the purpose of a mirror?
Wanted Response: To look at/judge yourself and agree to make changes if
necessary.
Discuss the connections between a compact mirror and the Mayflower Compact
Compact - Pact was created among all those on the Mayflower.
Clasps – All agreed to work together for the survival of the colony, so it would not
break.
Mirror – Agreed to judge themselves/look themselves in the mirror as a group and
make changes accordingly.