Final answer:
The Mayflower Compact was drafted following an unexpected landing in New England, rather than Virginia, leading to a need for self-governance. The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut was a separate document created by an existing community to provide structure for self-governance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Mayflower Compact was not intended as a constitution, but rather as a social contract to ensure mutual survival and order among the Pilgrims who did not land where they initially intended. In 1620, the Mayflower, carrying the Pilgrims, set sail for the Virginia territory. Due to navigational challenges, they landed north of their target, at Cape Cod, which was outside the jurisdiction of the Virginia Company's charter. Without a charter, they created the Mayflower Compact for governance. They landed in an area known as 'New England,' which had been named by John Smith, as opposed to the expected Virginia location.
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, often considered one of the first written constitutions, was drafted nearly two decades later. It was established within an already existing community and did not involve an accidental landing or a conflict with initial charter locations. Like the Compact, the Orders detailed a framework for self-governance based on the interests of the community members.
In conclusion, the signatories of the Mayflower Compact had to draft and adhere to this agreement due to their unintended landing in New England, necessitating a mode of governance outside the bounds of their original charter. The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut were drafted and adopted by settlers who were already residing in the area, and who wished to establish a detailed governing document.