Question

We, whose names are underwritten. . . . do by these Presents,

solemnly and mutually, in the Presence of God and one another,
covenant and combine ourselves into a civil Body Politik, for our
better Ordering and Preservation.
-Mayflower Compact, 1620
What was the main purpose of the document quoted above?

Answer 1

The Mayflower Compact was drafted to establish a self-governing body to create and maintain order in the new colony, as the Pilgrims had no official charter upon landing in what they called New England.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main purpose of the document quoted above, the Mayflower Compact, was to establish a self-governing colony with laws and social structures agreed upon by its settlers. It was created because the Pilgrims, having landed outside the territory of the Virginia Company, had no official charter to govern themselves.

Hence, they drafted the Mayflower Compact to form a civil body politic for the better ordering and preservation of their colony and to frame laws for the general good of the colony upon which they vowed obedience.