Mayflower Compact

Mayflower Compact, agreement signed by 41 of the Pilgrims on Nov. 21, 1620. Having landed outside any civil jurisdiction and fearing that their group might split up, they undertook to form a “civil body politic,” governed by majority rule, and to “frame just and equal laws.” The compact became the basis of the government of the colony of Plymouth.

See also: Plymouth Colony.