American Democracy and the Mayflower Compact

Foundations of American Democracy

• The establishment of American democracy is rooted in the post-Revolution era of the late 1700s.
• Early settlers, like the Pilgrims in 1620, emphasized democracy and self-governance through cooperative efforts.
• The Mayflower Compact was created as a governing document based on Christian morals and a commitment to self-rule, despite British subject status.

Declaration of Independence and Constitution

• The Declaration of Independence, influenced by Enlightenment philosophy, posited that governmental power derives from the people, not monarchs.
• The U.S. Constitution later formalized principles of self-government, consent of the governed, and representative guidelines for the new nation.

Enlightenment Influences

• Leading revolutionaries were inspired by Enlightenment thinkers advocating for natural, God-given rights and a social contract framework.
• These philosophers asserted the people's right to reclaim power if a government violated the established agreements.

Key Enlightenment Philosophers

• Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679): In "The Leviathan," Hobbes argued that a lack of governance leads to chaos and misery. He suggested that individuals should surrender some freedoms for societal peace under an absolute sovereign.
• John Locke (1632–1704): In the "Second Treatise of Civil Government" (1690), Locke emphasized natural law as God's law, asserting that individuals are born free and equal, with the right to consent to governance. He advocated for rebellion against rulers who disregard the consent of the governed.
• Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778): Rousseau encouraged moving away from oppressive political systems, famously stating, “Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains.” His work, "The Social Contract," highlights the agreement among free individuals to relinquish certain rights for societal security.

Principles of Governance

• Enlightenment thought prioritized rationalism and the rights of individuals, significantly influencing revolutionary ideas for governance and society.
• The social contract concept reflects the culmination of democratic ideals where the government exists based on the consent and well-being of the people.

Explore the foundations of American democracy with a focus on the Mayflower Compact and its influence on self-governance. This quiz delves into the historical context of democracy in early American society, starting from the Pilgrims' arrival in 1620. Test your knowledge on how these early agreements shaped the political ideals of the United States.