What important principle emerged from the signing of the Mayflower Compact?

The Mayflower Compact established the principle of self-governance, highlighting the idea that a government’s authority derives from the consent of the governed. It was a pioneering agreement among the Pilgrims that emphasized mutual cooperation and accountability in decision-making. This early form of democratic governance laid the groundwork for future democratic principles in America, underscoring the importance of social contracts and collective decision-making.