The development of the US Constitution in 1787 and its ratification in 1791 were influenced by several historical documents and ideas. Early foundations included the Mayflower Compact of 1626, which established self-governance for the benefit of the people, and the Great Law of Peace developed by the Haudenosaunee in the 12th century, which introduced concepts such as freedom of speech and religion, and a participatory democracy with a separation of powers.