What type of government was established by the Mayflower Compact?

The Mayflower Compact established a self-governing colony with majority rule, laying an important foundation for democratic governance in America. Signed in 1620 by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, this document was created to ensure order and cooperation among the settlers in their new colony, as they were outside the jurisdiction of any established government.

The Compact articulated the settlers' desire to create a "civil body politic" for their mutual benefit and protection, and it emphasized the principle of majority rule, wherein decisions would be made collectively and based on the agreement of the majority. This agreement constituted a form of social contract, reflecting the settlers' commitment to work together for common goals, which is a core aspect of self-governance.

This form of government was a significant departure from monarchies, where authority is centralized and inherited, and from a direct democracy, which implies immediate participation from all citizens in every decision, regardless of the size of the population or community. The Mayflower Compact helped to lay the groundwork for future American democratic practices.