Compacts

Compacts are formal agreements between two or more parties, especially among sovereign states, governmental units, or organizations. They spell out mutual rights, duties, and rules, and are often intended to be legally binding. In federal or intergovernmental settings, compacts may address governance, resource sharing, or shared services, and some require approval by a higher authority such as a legislature or a national congress.

Historically, compacts have shaped political legitimacy. The Mayflower Compact of 1620 is often cited as an early colonial covenant for self-government. In constitutional theory, the idea that legitimate government rests on a political compact figures prominently. In modern practice, intergovernmental compacts continue to organize cooperation across state, provincial, or national lines, including treaties and multi-party agreements, sometimes formalized in law at national or subnational levels.

In urban planning, a compact city describes a form of development characterized by high density, mixed use, and walkable neighborhoods. The aim is to reduce urban sprawl, lower transportation emissions, and improve accessibility. Policy instruments include zoning, transit-oriented development, and the integration of affordable housing within dense cores.

In automotive classification, compacts refers to compact cars, a class of smaller passenger vehicles. They offer a balance of efficiency, affordability, and practicality and have been a dominant segment in many markets since the late 20th century.