LAD #1: Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1. What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?
Primarily the main purpose of the Mayflower Compact was to define the basics of a colonial civilization, creating discussions of life as well as laws, that would be either thought up or enacted through meetings. Too, this Compact officially instituted the creation of a colony in America by outlining the basic ideals and beliefs of that newly generated colony. These ideals, with equality being one of vast importance, ensured that any piece of passed legislation would be fair and just, as well as the frequency of meetings for the people of the colony.


2. How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" Worlds? 
Due to the reality that under the Mayflower Compact pilgrims were still subservient to the rule of English King James back in the colonies' mother country of Britain, the "Old" World is undoubtedly exemplified. Despite this one instance of representation for the "Old" World in the colonies under the Mayflower Compact, this agreement also reflected multiple views of the "New" World as well. Firstly, the colonies are separate entities from England, despite loyalty to the crown, and secondly colonists were permitted to enact new laws and hold meetings, both of which made for equality of the people, regarding life and issues throughout a colony.


3. How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?
In contrast, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut is a vastly long and specific article, differing greatly from the condense Mayflower Compact, which, towards the end, has nothing but a list of names. Primarily, the Mayflower Compact represented nothing more than an agreement between the people to set up an organized colony, setting forth laws, regulations, and times for frequent town meetings in order to ensure the continued success of the colony. In the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, however, detailed specifically the framework for all governmental bodies within a colony, giving recognition to responsibilities, increased voting rights, length of political terms, and elections.


4. What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?
The fundamental prompt of the colonists of Connecticut for approaching government in this way was their devout religious ties. The colonists, wanting written laws and order, did so in a manner which expressed their continual obedience and faithfulness, in both life and government, to the words of God. The article clearly dictates that in order to ensure the prosperity, peace, and union of a colony, that its governmental system should mirror the organization and decency of God.


5. In what significant way(s) does the Fundamental Orders reflect a fear of and safeguard against the usurping of power by one person or a chosen few?
Because of the fact that the Fundamental Orders repeatedly refer to God and his attributes, of which they wish to institute into their colonial governmental body, it is clearly exemplified that these colonists were religious individuals. Too, on top of this continued reliance on God's order and protection, this agreement also allows for a system of checks and balances to be made; between the Governor, the Magistrates, the Secretary, the two General Assemblies, and nearly all individuals involved with government decisions. More specifically, balance was kept by delegating responsibilities, limitations on the length of a governmental term, and individuals in position to fulfill duties otherwise left unfulfilled by government peers.