1620

"...to enacte, constitute, and frame

such just and equall laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices,

from time to time,

as shall be thought most meete and convenient for the generall good of the Colonie ..."

11 of November 1620

Those few words expressed the idea of self-government

for the first time in the New World.

Others in the group, however, had remained part of the Church of England, so not all of the Pilgrims shared the same religion.

the document was signed by 41 of the male passengers –

all but one of the freemen, three of the five hired men, and two of the nine servants.