What was the significance of the mayflower compact?

The primary significance of the Mayflower Compact was that it established a rule of law in the Plymouth colony before the settlers even arrived, since it was drafted and signed aboard the Mayflower itself. 

The transcontinental railroad provided a means of fast transportation. it cut a 6 month trip into 6 days, created jobs for many people and encouraged immigration. the homestead act played a huge role in western expansion; it allowed settlers to begin a fresh start, and gave them land in exchange for their residence for up to five years and a small fee.