LAD #1: Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut:

1) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

The people who wrote it agreed to combine themselves into "a civil Body Politick" to aid in their goal of creating a colony in the northern parts of Virginia and to preserve order. They would enact laws that were agreed upon to be for the good of the colony and promised to abide by these laws.

2) How does the Mayflower Compact reflect an attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?

It shows an attachment to the Old World in its loyalty to the drafters' leader, whom they refer to as "our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith." It shows attachment to the New World when it said one body would be formed, which would follow laws they developed, a bit more like democracy. This was different from the monarchy of the Old World.

3) How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?

The Fundamental Orders outlined how the governor and magistrates would be elected or nominated, as well as requirements and restrictions for their election / nominations, while the Compact just gave a general "civil Body Politick." The Orders are purely for setting up the government of Connecticut and establishing processes and taxes and are considered a constitution (possibly the first).

4) What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?

They wanted to set up a government for Connecticut without giving too much power to one person but still enough to be effective and not be able to be ignored, so they laid down all restrictions, requirements, and voting / ballot procedures in a written document that was signed to ensure that people stuck to it. This way, it could be used as a reliable set of "rules" and they wouldn't have to give up their democratic ways in the future.

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?

They are in place to ensure that the leaders can't be in charge and carry out whatever they wish without common consent from the people they govern. According to the Orders, all the officials have to be nominated and voted for their positions by the people. If the government officials fail to fulfill their duty, they can be overridden in some situations; for example, if they don't call courts required in the Orders, freemen can petition and call them themselves. This prevents the governor / magistrates from having too much power without repercussions.

The Mayflower Compact

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut