The United States of America was not formed in one day, and the principles and beliefs that we have today were not developed over night. The basic principles of our country actually progressed from the ideas of the first settlers in the 1600's. The Mayflower Compact, written by the Pilgrims at Plymouth, was one of the first steps toward self government. The Fundamental Orders, written by the Connecticut settlers, helped to form the modern constitution we have today. The New England Confederation, which was a group of four colonies, eventually led to the unity of the entire "New World." The Mayflower Compact, the Fundamental Orders, and the New England Confederation all helped to pave the way for democracy, freedom, unity, and the basic values our country is based on today.

The Mayflower Compact was a huge step towards self government and eventually democracy. When the Pilgrims landed at...