Identify central issues explain why the pilgrims ' government came about and why its existence was important
The central issue that led to the establishment of the pilgrims' government was the desire for religious freedom and the need for a framework to govern their newly established colony in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The pilgrims, also known as the Separatists, were a group of English Protestants who sought to break away from the Church of England due to its perceived corruption and lack of religious purity.
Arriving in Plymouth in 1620 on the Mayflower, the pilgrims formed the Plymouth Colony. However, without a legal charter to establish their colony, they realized the need to create a self-governing structure to provide stability and order. To address this, they drafted the Mayflower Compact, a social contract agreement, before disembarking the ship.
The existence of the pilgrims' government, as encapsulated by the Mayflower Compact, was essential for various reasons:
1. Legitimacy: The Mayflower Compact provided Plymouth Colony with a legal framework, giving their government legitimacy both in the eyes of the settlers and other potential settlers. This legitimacy helped establish the foundation for a stable and orderly society.
2. Self-Governance: The Compact established a system of self-governance, where decisions were made collectively by the settlers. It emphasized the idea of consent and majority rule, reflecting the democratic principles that would later shape American governance.
3. Social Cohesion: The Compact fostered social cohesion among the settlers. By agreeing to be bound by the rules and regulations of the Compact, the pilgrims committed themselves to upholding the common good and creating a sense of community.
4. Survival: The pilgrims recognized the need for unity and cooperation to ensure their survival in the new and challenging environment. The Compact helped to establish a system that promoted cooperation, ensuring the collective strength necessary for dealing with the hardships of establishing a colony.
5. Influence on American Governance: The Mayflower Compact is often regarded as one of the earliest examples of a written constitution in American history. It served as a precedent for later charters and documents, laying the groundwork for the development of representative democracy in the United States.
In summary, the pilgrims' government, established through the Mayflower Compact, came about due to the need for religious freedom and the desire to provide governance and stability in their Plymouth Colony. Its existence was important as it granted legitimacy, fostered self-governance, promoted social cohesion, ensured survival, and influenced subsequent forms of governance in America.