What was the mayflower compact why was it an important step for the settlers?

The Mayflower Compact was a formal agreement made in 1620 by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, establishing a self-governing colony based on majority rule. It was significant because it represented a pioneering effort at self-governance in the New World, laying the groundwork for democratic principles in America. By uniting the settlers under a common framework, it helped ensure social order and cooperation among the diverse group of people who arrived. This compact is often seen as a foundational moment in the development of American democracy.