Primary Source Text Aboard the Mayflower • November 11, 1620 • Off Cape Cod

The Mayflower Compact

In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c.

Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the northern Parts of Virginia; do by these Presents, solemnly and mutually, in the Presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid.

And by virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Officers, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due Submission and Obedience.

In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our Names at Cape-Cod, the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King James of England, France, and Ireland the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620.

Comprehension Tabs
Question view mode

Questions in each tab refer to the Mayflower Compact above. All questions are multiple choice.

1. What is the main purpose of the Mayflower Compact?

Main idea: creating a self-governing community with agreed-upon laws.

2. According to the Compact, for what reasons did the settlers “undertake” their voyage?

Detail about the stated religious and political goals of the voyage.

3. What do the settlers promise to do in regard to the laws and officers they create?

Detail about their pledge to submit to the new government.

4. Where and when do the signers say they are making this agreement?

Detail about the time and place of the signing.

You may answer questions in one tab or several tabs. Click Submit Answers at any time.