Question

2. Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in connection with the founding of the British colonies that became the USA. It is specifically associated with the Pilgrim colony founded in 1620 in what is now the State of Massachusetts. Prior to establishing the Plymouth colony, the colonists drafted and signed what is now the Mayflower Compact, the name Mayflower being derived from the ship the colonists sailed to North America from England. Here is the text of that document:

In the name of God, Amen.

We, whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, defender of the Faith, etc.,

Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancements of the Christian faith and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one another, covenant,

combine ourselves together into a civil body politic; for our better ordering, and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and

by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony;

unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.

In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, 1620.

6. The document is called a ‘Compact’. Do you think it is also a contract? Why or why not? Explain your reasoning.

7.  If you think it is a contract, then identify the following:

A: promisor(s):

            

B. promisee(s):

            

C. the agreement subject matter /promise:

            

D. The consideration:

E. Type(s) of contract

Answer 1

The given Thanksgiving compact qualifies as a contract because it has all the essential characteristics to qualify as a contract. A contract is an agreement made between 2 or more parties for a specific objective fulfillment of both parties.

2.

• The promisor: the individuals who are saying the compact

• The promisee: God is the promisee in this case

• The promise: The individuals are promising to the God that they will live in unity as a civil body politic for their better sustenance in society and for the general good of colony as a whole

• The consideration: the advancement of Christian faith is the consideration in this case

• Type of contract: This is an implied contract