Make a Classroom Version of the Mayflower Compact

*This activity is especially useful at the beginning of the school year*

The Mayflower Compact is arguably one of the most influential documents for the Founding Fathers drew upon it as they drafted the U.S. Constitution. The Compact emphasized important agreements with the settlers, including cooperation, consensus, allegiance, and a common belief system. Have your students (in groups, or as individuals) create their own Mayflower Compact for the school year. Have them include:

• Their allegiance
• Their purpose in setting goals
• Their goals
• Who will enforce or enact these goals
• Their redress in case goals are not met

After they have crafted their own Mayflower Compacts, have them storyboard the above portions of their writing.

Example Adaptation of the Mayflower Compact

We, whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of Mr. Diamond, by the Grace of Principal Long, of USA High School.

Having undertaken, for the glory of our success in this class, and advancement to the next grade, a voyage on the school bus to this classroom, do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of Mr. Diamond, and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a group called The Sovereigns. We set forth our goals of academic achievement on quizzes and tests, teamwork on presentations and in-class assignments, and mutual support for each other as a group. We pledge to SnapChat, email, or text each other to remind ourselves of major assignments; to provide a study group hour at least once a week after school to go over important material before tests and quizzes; and to make sure we support each other positively in class. This is all for the general good of our class and our group, unto which we promise our submission and obedience, with the final say from Mr. Diamond. If we do not meet these goals, we agree to add an additional hour each week to our study group, and to set up an email system that begins with our parents.

In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at USA High School on the 14th of September, in the year of the reign of our sovereign Principal Long, of USA High School, 2016.

Elias Westlake

Frederick Taylor

Shawna Smith

Myrna Martinez