Christopher Franke_Primary Source Analysis

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Political Science

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Feb 20, 2024

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docx

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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 This artifact is a historical document, a digital representation of the original draft of the Bill of rights.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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