Final answer:
To "covenant and combine" refers to forming a formal agreement to establish a self-governing society, rooted in Puritanism and influencing the foundation of the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
To "covenant and combine" ourselves together into a civil body politic means to enter into a formal agreement or promise, collectively, to form an organized society under a unified government that would enact laws and systems to benefit the common good. This concept ties back to Puritan beliefs and indicates a deep-rooted commitment to both religious and social unity, suggesting a form of self-governance that aligns with John Winthrop's vision of a "city on a hill." This idea later resonated with the social contract theories of the Enlightenment, influencing the founding fathers of the United States as reflected in the preamble to the Constitution, advocating for a more perfect union, justice, tranquility, defense, welfare, and liberty.