The opening lines of the Mayflower Compact read: "Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian fait
h and 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 of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic…"
The Mayflower Compact signed on Nov 21, 1620, was the first government framework that was signed and documented aboard the Mayflower before landing at Plymouth. This document gave the 'pilgrims' aboard the ship a certain level of 'immunity' from the American government.
This declaration was a result of the change in the destination after the Mayflower was unable to dock at its intended destination. By pledging with each other, the pilgrims inside the ship were given a promise by the Pilgrim leaders for safety and liberty in the new settlements. And this pledge begins with the lines <em>"Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith and honor of our King and Country, . . . combine ourselves together into a civil body politic…" </em>follows or seems to allude to the social contract theory. This means that the people will live in accordance with the 'pledge' signed that ensures adherence to a certain form of authority and social law.
