What did the signers of The Mayflower Compact in 1620 mean by the phrase a civil body politic?

The phrase "a civil body politic" in The Mayflower Compact refers to the formation of a governing structure that is established by the consent of the governed. This concept underscores the idea of self-governance and collective decision-making among the signers, who aimed to create a community based on mutual agreement and social order. It emphasized the importance of laws and governance for the welfare of the colony, laying the groundwork for democratic principles in America.