Bill of Rights Institute: Pilgrims, Principles, and Politics

When the Pilgrims set off for North America, they understood that no European society existed there for them to join. They would be responsible for beginning a new community, one which they hoped could start fresh away from what they believed to be the corrupt Church of England. While still onboard their ship, the Mayflower, the group signed the Mayflower Compact, an agreement concerning their commitment and intentions for the community they were about to create.