The Mayflower Compact, a treaty signed on the Mayflower in 1620, established ideals of tolerance and liberty for the governance of a new colony in the New World (The Architect of the Capitol, 2001). These ideals were not novel concepts at the time they were written. However, what was unique about the Mayflower Compact was its establishment of a form of government based on principles other than monarchy or dictatorship. The pilgrims believed that the best system of government for their colony was one that included representation from all classes of people living there. They also believed it was important for them to have freedom of religion, so that no one would be forced to act against his or her conscience if he or she did not want to. In conclusion, the main objective of the pilgrims in drafting the Mayflower Compact was to establish a form of government that was fair and equal for all citizens.