The significance of the Mayflower Compact in American history lies in its establishment of a foundational democratic principle. Signed in 1620 by the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, it was a social contract that created a self-governing body, asserting that the authority of the government derives from the consent of the governed. This compact laid the groundwork for future democratic frameworks in the United States by emphasizing majority rule and collective decision-making. It represented an early example of a written agreement establishing governance, reflecting the importance of community and shared responsibilities among settlers in the New World.