What document did the Pilgrims sign that established a basic form of government?

• A. Constitution of Plymouth
• B. Mayflower Compact
• C. Fundamental Orders
• D. Articles of Confederation

Answer: (B)

The Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact in 1620, which established a basic form of self-government for their new settlement in Plymouth. This document was significant as it represented one of the first attempts at democratic governance in the New World. The Mayflower Compact created a social contract in which the signers agreed to form a "civil body politic" and abide by the laws they established for the good of their new community. This early experiment in self-governance laid the foundation for future democratic practices in various colonies, showcasing the importance of collective decision-making and majority rule in governance.

In contrast, the other documents listed are related to different historical contexts. The Constitution of Plymouth is not a widely recognized term in historical discourse. The Fundamental Orders were created in 1638 for the Connecticut Colony and are considered one of the first written constitutions in America, but they were not the document signed by the Pilgrims. The Articles of Confederation came later, in 1781, and served as the first governing document of the United States but were not associated with the Pilgrims or their establishment of government in Plymouth.