In 1620 the Pilgrims, forced off course into uncharted land, realized they would have to form their own government, drew up the Mayflower Compact. This Compact is the first instance in modern history of creation of government by the consent and for the governed.
“In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten…having undertaken for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith and honor of our king and country, a voyage to plant the first colory in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these present, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God and of one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic…”