Question

According to the Mayflower Compact, what were the reasons for forming a government ("a civil body politick")?

a) To establish religious freedom and persecute non-believers
b) To protect the rights of the monarchy
c) To create and enforce just and equal laws for the general good of the colony
d) To overthrow the existing government and establish anarchy

Answer 1

The Mayflower Compact was created to establish self-government, enact just and equal laws, and serve the general good of the colony, reflecting the Puritans' desire for self-determination and religious freedom.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the Mayflower Compact, the reasons for forming a government, or "a civil body politick," were to create and enforce just and equal laws for the general good of the colony. The Compact was drafted because the Pilgrims landed outside of the area they were originally intended to settle and had no charter from the Crown. They wanted to establish self-government and order within their community, guided by their shared values and needs.

It was essential for the maintenance of societal structure in the absence of a recognized authority and was rooted in their desire for freedom, especially to practice their religion and live according to their beliefs. This is reflective of the Puritans' broader objectives, such as the pursuit of religious freedom and self-determination, rather than any intent to overthrow an existing government or establish anarchy.