What did the Mayflower passengers create when they wrote "civil body politick"?
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/17th_century/mayflower.asp
http://www.history.com/topics/mayflower
The Mayflower Compact.
This Compact promised to create a “civil Body Politick” governed by elected officials and “just and equal laws.” It also swore allegiance to the English king
When the Mayflower passengers wrote "civil body politick" in the Mayflower Compact, they were referring to the creation of a self-governing society. The phrase "civil body politick" is essentially another way of saying a political or governmental entity.
To understand this concept and its significance, we can break it down into two parts:
1. "Civil Body": The term "civil" in this context refers to society or citizens collectively. "Body" means a group or entity. So, "civil body" refers to the people within a society or community.
2. "Politick": "Politick" is an old spelling of "politic," which refers to matters related to governance, politics, or public affairs. So, "civil body politick" means the political organization or government of the civil body.
In other words, the Mayflower passengers were expressing their intention to establish a self-governing community, where the people collectively would make decisions and govern themselves.
To find this information, you can refer to historical documents, textbooks, or reliable online sources that discuss the Mayflower Compact and its significance in American history. Some key resources might include:
1. History books: Consult books that focus on early American history or the Pilgrims and their journey to the New World.
2. Online databases: Explore reputable databases and websites specializing in history, such as official museum websites, academic platforms, or scholarly journals.
3. Primary sources: Examine primary sources, such as the original text of the Mayflower Compact, to gain a more in-depth understanding.
By referring to these sources, you can not only learn about what the Mayflower passengers created when they wrote "civil body politick," but also gain a broader historical context.