This Mayflower Compact Inquiry Chart is a perfect way to guide students in analyzing one of the earliest examples of social contract theory in American history through primary sources. Students will closely examine the text of the Mayflower Compact (1620) and respond to structured questions that help them explore themes like self-governance, civil agreement, religious motivations, and early democratic ideals in the New World. This activity builds close reading skills and historical thinking by prompting students to consider context, purpose, and long-term influence. Students will then answer guiding questions to demonstrate their understanding and analysis.

This Activity Includes:

• Three (3) full-page primary sources, including the Mayflower Compact, Tompkins Harrison Matteson's painting, and the Plymouth Sarcophagus
• An Inquiry Chart with four (4) scaffolded text analysis questions with space for written student responses, citing specific language from the document
• A complete Answer Key with sample responses

The assignment aligns with the following Florida BEST Standards:

Standards Alignment – Florida BEST: U.S. Government

• ELA.K12.EE.1.1 – Cite evidence to explain and justify reasoning
• ELA.K12.EE.2.1 – Read and comprehend grade-level complex texts proficiently
• ELA.K12.EE.3.1 – Make inferences to support comprehension
• SS.912.CG.1.1 – Examine how intellectual influences in primary documents contributed to the ideas in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights
• SS.912.CG.1.4 – Analyze how the ideals and principles expressed in the founding documents shape America as a constitutional republic
• SS.912.CG.1.5 – Explain how the U.S. Constitution and its amendments uphold political principles such as consent of the governed, limited government, and rule of law