In what 1620 document do the writers form a "civil body politic"?

Study for the FGCU Civic Literacy Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations, to prepare confidently. Get ready for your exam!

The Mayflower Compact, created in 1620, is the document in which the writers establish a "civil body politic." This agreement was made by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower before they disembarked in America. It served as a foundational framework for self-governance, reflecting the settlers’ agreement to work together for the common good and establish a form of government that would serve their needs. The phrase "civil body politic" indicates that they were creating a community organized under a government that would represent their collective interests and maintain order, showcasing the early practices of democracy and rule of law in America.

The other documents listed each have historical significance, but they do not pertain to the specific context of the 1620 agreement among the Pilgrims. The Articles of Confederation was created much later, serving as the first constitution of the United States. The Magna Carta, from 1215, established principles of rule of law, but it did not specifically address self-governance in the way the Mayflower Compact does. The Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, declared the colonies' separation from British rule, focusing on individual rights and sovereignty rather than the establishment of a new governing body among settlers.

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