The importance of the Mayflower Compact in early American history lies in its role as a foundational document promoting self-governance. Signed in 1620 by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, the Compact established a form of democratic government based on majority rule. It represented a significant step toward the creation of a civil society governed by the consent of the governed. The Mayflower Compact created a precedent for future democratic processes in America and influenced the development of constitutional governance, reflecting the Pilgrims' commitment to community and mutual accountability.