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How did the Mayflower Compact influence the United States government?

When the Mayflower reached the shores of New England, there were two competing factions on the boat: the religious separatists that are today known as Pilgrims, and merchants that traveled to America to make a profit. Both sides realized the importance of forming a pact that would make the transition to this new world less chaotic. They agreed to create a document that would establish a government system to protect against the potential anarchy that could ensue. This document is called the Mayflower Compact. Some principles from the document had an influence on future governments in the United States. One of the more important concepts is the idea of a government based on the rule of the people. This is different than the monarchies that existed in Europe at the time. The document established a democracy in American and the right of male citizens to vote. In this democratic framework, citizens would make laws that would be equal and just. In essence, the Mayflower Compact acted as a model for the establishment of a national document that would be the law of the land.

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