RH+Framing+the+Mayflower+Compact+(1620)+p.43

Q: A constitution is a document defining and limiting the functions of government. Was the compact, as often is as claimed, the first American constitution? A: I do believe it to be a constitution since it clearly states that the government will provide general good to the colony by creation of acts, ordinences, and laws from time to time. Q: In what ways did it foreshadow the development of democratic institutions? A: The compact states they will "combine [themselves] together into a civilbody politic." This foreshadows democracy because of the will to include peoople in the government.