The three democratic practices in the colonies were the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, Mayflower Compact, and the Virginia House of Burgesses. All of these played an important role in the history of the colonies. The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document of the Plymouth colony. The compact was an agreement establishing a civil government. It was signed aboard ship on November 11, 1620. The leaders of the pilgrims signed the agreement, because they were concerned that the new pilgrims would cause problems. The Fundamental Orders describe the government set up by Connecticut. John Friske claimed that the Fundamental Orders were the first written constitution. The commission named 8 magistrates from the towns of Connecticut
