LAD #1

Concepts included in the Mayflower Compact consist of the colonists' intentions which are upholding the glory of God, further practicing and advancing Christianity, and honoring King James and their mother country. They also include the colonists' determination to enforce just laws, acts, ordinances, constitutions, and officers.

The Mayflower Compact reflects an attachment to the Old World by firmly stating that one of the colony's purposes is to honor King James. At the end of the compact, the colonists also subscribe their names to the king. Although they are given a fresh start, the colonists are still very loyal to their mother country. However, the Mayflower Compact also reflects an attachment to the New World by stating that the colonists would do whatever was most convenient for the general good of the colony. Instead of promising obedience to the king, the people promised submission to the colony.

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut state how governors and magistrates will be elected for the state of Connecticut. The orders also go into detail of how long they will hold their positions of leadership, what powers they have, and so forth. The Mayflower Compact is more general, stating that the colonists are still the subjects of King James. At that point, the colonists have not advanced far enough to form their own system of government.

The colonists of Connecticut were prompted to take the approach of a written constitution because they wanted to make sure not one colonist had the opportunity to seize or be given too much power. By forming a written constitution, the colonists all had a say in what type of government they wished to form.

The Fundamental Orders are very clear in that they do not wish power to be ususrped by one person because they state that no one person can be governor more than once in a period of two years. Also many people have the opportunity to be nominated for the position of magistrate or governor. There are many positions of power instead of just one or two. These restrictions make sure power is dispersed amongst people and can not be held by someone for too long of a time period.