Carly's AP American blog: LAD/Blog #1: Mayflower Compact/Fundamental Orders of CT

1.) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

The Mayflower Compact includes ideas of democracy with a body of representatives that meet to discuss rules and laws of the colony. Plus, they created laws with the idea in mind of pleasing the colonists and giving them what they needed.

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

The Mayflower Compact recognizes King James as their actual ruler, which is the "Old" world, but is starting the formation of democracy, which is the beginning of the "New" world.

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

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut elects multiple men into power as to check them and prevent a king like King James, whereas the Mayflower Compact still recognizes King James as the one with the power. Plus, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut name specific rights that each man is entitled to and the Mayflower Compact is just a general agreement to set up a government.

4.) What prompted colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, ie.: use of a written constitution?

A written constitution allowed the colonists to make their liberties and basic rights official so no ruler could dispute them. Whereas in Britain, King James just made any law he decided on and could take away all the rights of his subjects with no struggle.

5.) In what 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 Fundamental Orders dictate that a body of representatives and elected officials would be in place to help check each other in order to prevent "the usurping of power". Also, it clearly states what specific rights and liberties the colonists desired to hinder the ruler in taking away their rights.