LAD #1 Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact? 

        At the basis of the document there is one fundamental idea. That with it, the colonists would unite, and have a way to govern themselves. To do this they granted themselves the power to "enact, constitute, frame" laws and also the ability to appoint officials.

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

        It is similar to the Old World, because it states that the colonists with have the ability to appoint officials but that they have to be completely obedient and submit to his power. It is as if they are appointing a king. But it is also similar to the government that would come in the New World because it unites these people, and it allows them to write laws that keep them safe and to maintain order that are also voted on by those eligible.

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

         In the Mayflower Compact it says that a single official will be appointed to rule the colonies, while in the Fundamental Orders several officials are elected. Also, in the Orders, it is very specific of the amount of power that the officials are granted. In the Mayflower Compact, the only mention of power is about that the colonists must follow the officials will.

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

        The people that were coming to found these colonies had been prosecuted by officials that had disagreed with their religious beliefs, and that also had all the power. So when they came the New World, they wanted a way to protect themselves from a tyrannical ruler coming to power and forcing them to give up there beliefs or to move like they had already. With elected officials the beliefs of the majority would be represented.

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 fact they decided to use a constitution to govern themselves is the first example. Second, the way that the officials are elected and the amount of time they serve is very controlled by the people. The governor and magistrates can only serve for a year, then never again. Third, there are a set of courts that are set up in each town that communicate with the governor. Fourth, it seems that if the people that have been chosen to work in the government aren't doing there job or they are taking advantage of it, it is easy for the citizens to override them and institute officials that will do the right thing or for the people themselves to take control.