His 100 Topic Exploration Worksheet Part 1: Select A Researc

His 100 Topic Exploration Worksheetpart 1select A Research Topic Area

HIS 100 Topic Exploration Worksheet Part 1 Select a research topic area for Project 1 based on which of the following areas interests you the most. You will explore the selected topic a little later in this theme. Mark your selection in the right-hand column. Topic Selection Drafting of the U.S. Constitution X Mao Zedong’s Rule Over China South African Apartheid Choose Your Own Topic (insert pre-approved topic here) In the space below, replace the bracketed text with a short paragraph about what you already knew prior to this course about the topic you selected, based on your personal history or experiences.

This may include assumptions, beliefs, or values related to the topic. Be as detailed as possible. I am going to be completely honest, I do not know much about the constitution, all I really know is that it was wrote in 1787. I know it goes over our rights as a citizen, but not much from there. I chose this topic, because of the issues going on around us, and I would like to have a better understanding of what can and cannot be done legally when it comes to upholding the standards of the US Constitution.

Part 2 Now that you have identified your topic and described what you already know about the topic, what questions do you still have about the topic?

Replace the bracketed text with your answers.

Question

Why was the US Constitution drafted? I understand it gives us rights as a citizen of the United States, but what led to the talk of creating such an elaborate document.

Response

Describe why this question matters to you personally. It matters to me the most, because I would like to understand what all went into drafting of the US Constitution. Describe why this question matters to society. With the recent political views, and the blaming back and forth, I personally believe that if everyone has a clear understanding of what violates the constitution and what doesn’t it may make things a little less chaotic.

Second Question

I would like to find out how many people where involved in drafting up the constitution. I know there was a handful, but if I could somehow figure out how many where in attendance that would be something I could pass on to my kids. Describe why this question matters to you personally. For me personally, I would like to know who each person was, why they agreed or disagreed, and was the result what they all had hoped for. Describe why this question matters to society. Personally, I believe we have gotten away from history and what has happened in the past that led to many great things today, yes there has been many things that could have been done differently, but in the end we learn from the past so we do not repeat those same mistakes.

Part 3

You are now ready to complete the final part of your Topic Exploration Worksheet. You have chosen a topic, posed some research questions, and are ready to start thinking about what kind of sources you will need to investigate your research questions further. Using the library guide in the Shapiro Library provided for your chosen topic, skim through the suggested resources (or find your own) and replace the bracketed text with relevant information about your research questions.

Secondary Sources for First Research Question

Which secondary sources would be helpful for investigating your first research question? (Include the title and author of the sources.)

Meyerson, M. (2009). Liberty's Blueprint: How Madison and Hamilton Wrote the Federalist Papers, Defined the Constitution, and Made Democracy Safe for the World. Basic Books.

Primary Sources for First Research Question

Which primary sources would be helpful for investigating your first research question? (Include the title and author of the sources.)

Washington, G. (1786, May 18). Letter to John Jay.

Secondary Sources for Second Research Question

Which secondary sources would be helpful for investigating your second research question? (Include the title and author of the sources.)

Primary Sources for Second Research Question

Which primary sources would be helpful for investigating your second research question? (Include the title and author of the sources.)

Research Summary

Now that you have gone through the research, what have you learned about your topic in one to two paragraphs?

The Constitution of the United States established the framework for the national government and outlined fundamental laws and rights for the American people. It was adopted on September 17, 1787, and aimed to create a more unified and effective federal structure after the Articles of Confederation proved inadequate in granting sufficient authority to govern effectively (Singh, 2017). The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia, with 55 delegates from 13 states, excluding Rhode Island, which was wary of stronger central authority (Code, 2019). Many delegates were well-educated, representing diverse backgrounds such as law, farming, and banking, and shared a common intent to stabilize and strengthen the fledgling nation (Singh, 2017).

The drafting process was driven by several motivating factors, including economic stability, national defense, and the preservation of individual rights. The debates centered on balancing power between state and federal governments, with notable figures like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton advocating for a stronger national government (Meyerson, 2009). The Constitution's ratification was a pivotal moment that inspired other nations to develop their own constitutional frameworks. Ultimately, the constitution's stability and adaptability have allowed it to serve as the foundation for American democracy, continuously guiding the country through periods of change and challenge.

Conclusion

The creation of the United States Constitution was a complex process shaped by political, economic, and social concerns of the time. It aimed to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation while establishing a government capable of protecting the rights and interests of the American people. The debates and compromises made during its drafting reflect the diverse perspectives of its framers, whose legacy continues to influence American society today. Understanding the history and context behind this foundational document is essential for appreciating its enduring significance and the principles of democracy it upholds.

References

• Code, E. (2019). United States Constitution.
• Meyerson, M. (2009). Liberty's Blueprint: How Madison and Hamilton Wrote the Federalist Papers, Defined the Constitution, and Made Democracy Safe for the World. Basic Books.
• S Singh, R. (2017). ‘I, the people’: a deflationary interpretation of populism, Trump and the United States constitution. Economy and Society, 46(1), 20-42.