"In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, e&. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620."
http://www.c-span.org/video/?c4472088/mayflower-compact-reading
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Today you will be learning about the Mayflower Compact. A compact is an agreement. When the Mayflower landed on the shores of Cape Cod, the passengers knew that they were far away from any government or authority, and did not want the new colony to fall into lawlessness and unrest. (They knew Jametown's failure was partly due to the lack of government)
On November 21, 1620, they wrote a document stating that they were still under the rule of King James and did not intend to create a new country. (They didn't have permission or a patent from the King to settle in the area where they landed, and wanted to reassure the King that were still loyal subjects). The document also stated that they would do their best to live peacefully among themselves. All 41 male passengers signed the document agreeing to follow fair and equal laws for the general good of the new settlement. They wanted to create a civilized place where all could live in harmony and peace. Many of the ideas in the Mayflower Compact became central to the creation of the democratic society we enjoy in America today.
Paste the Document Analysis worksheet on page 45 of your notebook. Read the text of the Mayflower Compact and answer the 6 questions completely and thoughtfully.
ACTIVITY: Create a Classroom Compact
WHAT RULES DO WE NEED IN OUR CLASS TO BE A CIVILIZED PLACE WHERE ALL CAN LIVE and LEARN in HARMONY & PEACE? In groups of 2 or 3, brainstorm a list of important expectations for good behavior (character) and good work habits (responsibility). for example:
The class will write a compact and sign their names to it. . |