Christopher Franke_Primary Source Analysis
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Political Science
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Feb 20, 2024
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“Bill of Rights.” n.d. Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. Accessed September 20, 2023. https://www.loc.gov/resource/gdcwdl.wdl_02704/?r=-0.348.
This artifact is a historical document, a digital representation of the original draft of the Bill of rights. Authored by James Madison in 1789, this document holds immense historical significance. It bears Madison’s handwritten revisions and includes the signatures of key figures who endorsed the Bill of rights. As a foundational text in American history, it eloquently articulates the principles of liberty, equality, and the right to self-determination. While the document reflects the Enlightenment ideals of the late 18th century, it primarily speaks to the grievances and aspirations of the American colonists during that era. However, it does not delve into the perspectives of marginalized groups. This source played a pivotal role in shaping the course of history by establishing individual rights and principles.
The digital representation of the Bill of Rights is a fundamental asset to my research, providing essential historical context and profound insights into the bedrock principles of individual rights. This historic American document encapsulates the ideals and values that profoundly shaped the nation's identity and institutions. It offers a glimpse into the philosophical and political foundations of the early United States, encompassing concepts like natural rights, self-determination, and the intricate relationship between government and its citizens. Studying this source in its original form establishes a direct link to the thoughts and intentions of the Founding Fathers, enriching my research by enabling a deeper exploration of the historical and ideological landscape in which the United States was born. Furthermore, it allows for an examination of how these foundational ideas evolved and were interpreted over time. Additionally, it serves as a powerful reminder of the global impact of the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence, which influenced subsequent independence movements
and the spread of democratic ideals worldwide. This underscores the enduring significance of this pivotal historical period, not only in the annals of U.S. history but also in the broader global historical narrative, making it an indispensable resource for my research.
Artifact
Analysis
Worksheet
1.
TYPE OF ARTIFACT
Describe the material from which it was made: bone, pottery, metal, wood, stone, leather, glass, paper, cardboard, cotton, plastic, other material.
Parchment
2.
SPECIAL QUALITIES OF THE ARTIFACT
Describe how it looks and feels: shape, color, texture, size, weight, movable parts, anything printed, stamped or written on it.
The original Bill of Rights comprises four large rectangular parchment sheets with a yellowed or off-white color, typical of late 18th-century historical documents. It possesses a textured surface, common for documents of that era, offering a slightly rough texture that enhances its historical appearance. These sheets are quite large, making the entire document heavy due to the thickness and weight of the parchment, significantly more substantial than modern paper. The text of the Bill of Rights is elegantly handwritten in cursive script in black ink on the aged parchment, with no printed elements present on the original document.
3.
USES OF THE ARTIFACT
A. What might it have been used for?
To safeguard individual liberties and limit the power of the federal government. B.
Who might have used it?
All individuals and entities within the United States. C.
Where might it have been used? It has been used and referenced in various contexts across the United States. D.
When
might
it
have
been
used?
It is invoked and referenced across various times of American life and
governance.
4.
WHAT DOES THE ARTIFACT TELL US?
A. What does it tell us about technology of the time in which it was made and used?
The Bill of Rights, a foundational document of the United States, provides insights into the technology and communication methods of the late 18th century. It was created using printing and publishing technology typical of that era, disseminated through newspapers and pamphlets produced with manual printing presses. The handwritten amendments within the Bill of Rights reflect the absence of typewriters or digital printing, relying on meticulous transcription by hand. In an age before electronic communication, the document underscores the importance of print culture for exchanging information. Additionally, the Second
Amendment, addressing firearms, reflects the technology of late 18th-century weaponry, contrasting with modern firearms. The era's communication relied on physical documents due to the absence of telegraphs and telephones, impacting information exchange. The Fourth Amendment, dealing with searches and seizures, was framed within the context of physical intrusion, highlighting the absence of modern electronic
surveillance methods. This historical perspective informs our understanding of the Bill of Rights and its relevance today.
B. What does it tell us about the life and times of the people who made it and used it? The Bill of Rights serves as a historical document that provides a window into the life, concerns, and values of the people who lived in late 18th-century America. It reflects their experiences with colonial rule, their fears of government tyranny, and their reliance on print culture for communication and information dissemination.
C. Can you name a similar item today?
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5.
BRING A SKETCH, A PHOTOGRAPH, OR THE ARTIFACT LISTED IN 4C ABOVE TO CLASS.
Amar, Akhil Reed. The Bill of Rights : Creation and Reconstruction. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1998.
Accessed September 22, 2023. https://search-ebscohost-
com.ezproxy.umgc.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=52953&site=eds-
live&scope=site.
"The Bill of Rights: Creation and Reconstruction" by Akhil Reed Amar is a seminal work
in the field of constitutional law, authored by Yale Law School professor Akhil Reed Amar. First published in 1998, this American-produced book offers a comprehensive examination of the historical and legal aspects surrounding the creation and evolution of the Bill of Rights. It dives into the debates and dialogues that ultimately led to the incorporation of the first ten amendments
into the U.S. Constitution. The strengths of this source lie in its in-depth analysis, drawing from Amar's respected legal scholarship, and its ability to provide historical context to the formation of the Bill of Rights. However, it may be limited in its global perspective, primarily focusing on the American context. While it offers insights into the late 18th century when the Bill of Rights was conceived, it also highlights the enduring influence of these amendments on American constitutional law and their role as a model for other nations seeking to safeguard individual rights within their legal frameworks. Overall, the book is a vital resource for understanding the historical and legal significance of the Bill of Rights within the United States and its broader impact on constitutional thought worldwide.
"The Bill of Rights: Creation and Reconstruction" by Akhil Reed Amar is highly relevant to my research as it offers a comprehensive examination of the Bill of Rights in the United States, providing invaluable historical context and insights into the foundational principles of individual rights. The book delves deep into the creation of the Bill of Rights, exploring the debates and discussions that led to the addition of the first ten amendments to the U.S.
Constitution. This historical perspective helps me understand the philosophical and political underpinnings of the early United States, including concepts such as natural rights, self-
determination, and the intricate relationship between government and its citizens. Moreover, the book extends its analysis beyond the creation phase and addresses the reconstruction of the Bill of Rights over time. It discusses the impact and interpretation of these amendments throughout American history, shedding light on how they have shaped constitutional law and American society. This aspect allows me to explore the evolution and reinterpretation of these foundational ideas over time. Furthermore, Akhil Reed Amar's scholarship and insights provide credibility and depth to my research. As a respected legal scholar and professor at Yale Law School, his work is well-regarded within the legal community, ensuring the reliability of the information and analysis presented in the book. In summary, "The Bill of Rights: Creation and Reconstruction" enriches my research by offering historical context, a deep dive into the foundational principles of individual rights, and a scholarly perspective on the evolution and impact of the Bill of Rights in the United States. It serves as an indispensable resource for understanding the historical, legal, and philosophical dimensions of this pivotal aspect of American history.
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Written Document Analysis Worksheet
1.
TYPE OF DOCUMENT (Check one):
Newspaper
Map
Advertisement
Letter
Telegram
Congressional Record Patent
Press Release
Census Report Memorandum
Report
Other
2.
UNIQUE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DOCUMENT (Check one or more):
Interesting Letterhead
Notations Handwritten
"RECEIVED" stamp Typed
Other
Seals
3.
DATE(S) OF DOCUMENT:
1998
4.
AUTHOR (OR CREATOR) OF THE DOCUMENT: AKHIL REED AMAR
POSITION (TITLE): Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science
5.
FOR WHAT AUDIENCE WAS THE DOCUMENT WRITTEN? Primarily written for an academic and scholarly audience
6.
DOCUMENT INFORMATION (There are many possible ways to answer A-E.)
A. List three things the author said that you think are important:
1: The Bill of Rights was a product of the Founding Fathers' commitment to individual rights and liberty, seeking to ensure that citizens' fundamental freedoms were protected within the new U.S. Constitution.
2: Amar emphasizes that the Bill of Rights had a profound impact on defining and shaping American constitutional law, influencing Supreme Court decisions and interpretations of the Constitution over the years.
3: The book explores how the Bill of Rights has not only been a cornerstone of American jurisprudence but has
also served as a model for other nations seeking to safeguard individual liberties in their own constitutions.
B. Why do you think this document was written?
The book was written to provide an in-depth scholarly analysis of the creation and reconstruction of the Bill of
Rights in the United States. It aims to offer historical insights, legal interpretations, and the evolving significance of the Bill of Rights within American constitutional law.
C. What evidence in the document helps you know why it was written? Quote from the document.
Evidence from the book that helps understand its purpose includes the comprehensive historical analysis of the
Bill of Rights, discussions of the framers' intentions, and examinations of its ongoing impact on constitutional law. For instance, Amar states, "The book you are about to read offers a history of the Bill of Rights, an account of the original intent and understanding of the framers who crafted it, and an exploration of the Bill's transformative impact on the nation."
D. List two things the document tells you about life in the United States at the time it was written.
The book provides insights into life in the United States at the time it was written, particularly during the late 18th century. It underscores the importance of individual rights and liberties to the Founding Fathers and highlights the intellectual and political debates of the era regarding the protection of these rights within the newly formed United States.
E. Write a question to the author that is left unanswered by the document:
How did the debates and discussions surrounding the Bill of Rights reflect the broader social, political, and ideological context of the late 18th century in America?