First Document of Self-government

What was the first document of self-government created by the Pilgrims in 1620?

Here are some clues. Multiple problems with the Speedwell delayed their trip and they started out much later than they intended too. This lead to them arriving in the New World in November 1620. Stormy weather prevented them from going south to Virginia where their charter allowed them to land. Instead they settled in the New England area which allowed them to set up their own government.

 

 

 

 

Answer:
The Mayflower Compact

This was the first document of self-government created by the Pilgrims. Here is a copy of it.

“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, etc., having undertaken for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and the honor 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 politic, 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.”

Read more about the Mayflower Compact in Heroes and Heroines of the Past: American History and Uncover Exciting History by Amy Puetz Fox.

To learn more about the Pilgrims check out these books by Amy Puetz Fox.