Identify central issues. explain why the pilgrims government came about and why its existence was important.
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To identify the central issues regarding the Pilgrims' government and understand why it came about and its importance, you need to refer to a reliable source such as a textbook or a reputable website. As an AI language model, I don't have direct access to external sources such as websites or textbooks. However, I can provide you with some general information on the topic.
The Pilgrims were a group of English Separatists who fled religious persecution and migrated to North America in 1620. They established the Plymouth Colony in what is now present-day Massachusetts. The central issues related to the formation of the Pilgrims' government can be seen in their reasons for establishing self-governance.
The Pilgrims' government, known as the Mayflower Compact, came about due to several factors:
1. Self-Governance: The Pilgrims sought to establish a system of self-rule, as they believed in the principle of consent of the governed. They wanted to ensure that decisions affecting the community were made collectively rather than being imposed by outside authorities.
2. Social Order: In the absence of a formal government structure, the Pilgrims recognized the need for order and stability within their new settlement. The Mayflower Compact aimed to establish a framework for organizing their society and resolving disputes.
3. Legal Authority: The Pilgrims arrived outside their intended destination, which fell outside the jurisdiction of the established English government. To avoid potential chaos and ensure legitimacy, they created a temporary legal pact to govern their colony until a more formal charter could be obtained.
The existence of the Pilgrims' government was important for several reasons:
1. Legal Basis: The Mayflower Compact provided a legal foundation for the Plymouth Colony. It helped establish a system of governance that enabled the Pilgrims to function as a cohesive group, making decisions collectively and providing a sense of order.
2. Self-Rule and Democracy: The Pilgrims' government laid the groundwork for self-rule and democratic principles in America. The idea of consent of the governed, as expressed in the compact, influenced future governing documents such as the U.S. Constitution.
3. Precedent: The establishment of the Mayflower Compact set a precedent for self-governance in the New World. It demonstrated that individuals could come together, create their own system of government, and live cooperatively in a new land.
To delve deeper into the subject and gather more extensive information supported by reliable sources, it is recommended to consult textbooks on American history or reputable websites specializing in this era, such as academic institutions or historical organizations.