Short and Sweet?

While reading the Mayflower Compact, I came to a surprising conclusion; it's short.  As historical, defining documents go, this one was kind of a let-down.  Where were the big declarations?  Where were the lists of tyrannical deeds?  Where was. . .well, the interesting stuff?

This isn't supposed to be a slam to the Puritans.  On the other hand, I applaud their ability to be so concise. The Mayflower Compact was a simple, straight-forward document.  Excellent.  Who doesn't love that?  It makes for quick, easy reading and doesn't allow for much to argue about.  It says what's going to happen, and well, that's it.  I have a feeling this document would never fly in a modern day society.

That goes without saying.  Obviously we've evolved as a lawful society, going from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution, but I can't help but wonder how the heck did they do it?  The Mayflower Compact was THE law of the land.  How did that work?  It was vague and in all truth, hardly a document that established law of any kind.

Puritans were strong people.  They were followers of Christian ideals and values.  Does that mean they got a long better?  Meh, maybe.  It makes sense that a group of people who all share a set of beliefs and follow them strictly would be able to function in a society well.  In a society like ours, it would be impossible to live by such a meager document.

The America of today isn't just made up of Christians.  It isn't just made up of English immigrants.  We're a big jumbled mess of every creed, color, and religion.  But we've got enough laws to make it all work, right?  Our does it all just hinder a greater sense of cohesion and togetherness?