What was the first written document that provided self-government for the Pilgrims?

The Mayflower Compact of 1620 is recognized as the first written document that established a form of self-government for the Pilgrims who arrived in North America aboard the Mayflower. This compact was crucial because it represented an agreement among the settlers to create a government that would ensure order and cooperation. It was drafted and signed by the male passengers before disembarking, setting a precedent for future governance and democratic principles in America.

By establishing a framework for collective decision-making, the Mayflower Compact emphasized the importance of the consent of the governed, which is a fundamental aspect of democratic governance. It laid the groundwork for self-rule while the Pilgrims waited for a formal charter from England. This document is significant in American history because it highlights the Pilgrims' desire for a structured and fair society based on mutual consent, paving the way for later democratic developments in the United States.

The other choices, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution of the United States, came much later and served different purposes in the development of American governance.