Shreha Shrestha Joe L Mccambridge History 13012252019 Source

Shreha ShresthaJoe L Mccambridgehistory 13012252019source Identific

Shreha Shrestha Joe L. McCambridge History /25/2019 Source Identification PRIMARY SOURCES Journal of the Constitutional Convention, kept by James Madison, https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Records/Constitutional Convention-Office of the Historian, //convention-and-ratification Since these are the journal and convention made by organization and government. They lie under primary source and I would employ one of the sources in my research paper. SECONDARY SOURCES Miracle at Philadelphia, The Story of the Constitutional Convention, May to September 1787, As, Secondary sources contains biography, documentary, articles. I would employ one secondary sources. TERTIARY SOURCES History of the United States Constitution, Wikipedia Constitutional Convention | History and Compromises | Britannica.com Papers of Alexander Hamilton, Library of Congress I would not employ tertiary sources.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of conducting historical research involves identifying and utilizing various sources that contribute to understanding past events accurately and comprehensively. In the context of researching the Constitutional Convention of 1787, distinguishing between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources is fundamental to creating a credible and well-founded paper. This essay explores the suitable sources for such a research project, evaluates their relevance, and discusses reasons for including or excluding specific sources.

Primary sources serve as the raw materials of historical investigation, offering firsthand accounts or original documents from the period being studied. In the case of the Constitutional Convention, the journal kept by James Madison, often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution," is an invaluable primary source. Madison’s journal provides detailed insights into the debates, decisions, and personalities involved in the convention. It captures the nuances of the discussions that led to the drafting of the United States Constitution and reflects Madison’s perspective as a key participant. Accessing such firsthand documentation enables researchers to analyze the ideological conflicts, compromises, and influences that shaped the Constitution (Madison, 1787).

Another primary source relevant to this research is the official records of the Constitutional Convention maintained by governmental organizations, such as the Office of the Historian. These documents are authoritative and offer an organized account of the proceedings, amendments, and resolutions passed. Because these are official government records, they are considered highly credible and serve as essential evidence for understanding the constitutional process in its original context (U.S. Congress, 2019).

Secondary sources interpret, analyze, or synthesize primary data, providing context, commentary, and scholarly viewpoints. A noteworthy secondary source for studying the Constitutional Convention is “Miracle at Philadelphia” by Christopher Collier. This book offers a detailed narrative of the events from May to September 1787, emphasizing the personalities, negotiations, and ideological battles among the delegates. Secondary sources like Collier’s work are valuable because they contextualize primary data within broader historical trends and interpret the significance of the events for contemporary and future governance (Collier, 2010).

Secondary sources are indispensable for framing the facts within scholarly debates and for gaining varied perspectives on complex historical phenomena. They often include biographies, documentaries, critical articles, and scholarly analyses that facilitate a deeper understanding of the constitutional process.

On the other hand, tertiary sources typically summarize or compile information from primary and secondary sources. Examples include encyclopedias and Wikipedia articles. The “History of the United States Constitution” on Wikipedia and the Britannica’s overview of the Constitutional Convention are tertiary sources. While these can be useful for initial orientation and quick reference, they generally lack the detailed evidence and analytical depth required for rigorous academic research. Therefore, for an in-depth research paper, reliance on tertiary sources like Wikipedia and encyclopedic summaries is usually discouraged, as they do not provide original or thoroughly vetted information (Wikipedia, 2023; Britannica, 2023).

In conclusion, for a research paper focusing on the Constitutional Convention, primary sources like James Madison’s journal and official government records are essential because they offer direct insights and authoritative accounts. Secondary sources, such as detailed narratives and scholarly analyses like “Miracle at Philadelphia,” help interpret these primary materials and provide contextual understanding. Tertiary sources, although helpful for initial overviews, are generally inadequate for detailed academic research due to their summarizing nature. Selecting appropriate sources ensures a balanced, accurate, and comprehensive exploration of this pivotal moment in American history.

References

• Collier, C. (2010). Miracle at Philadelphia: The Story of the Constitutional Convention, May to September 1787. Henry Holt and Co.
• Madison, J. (1787). Journal of the Constitutional Convention. Library of Congress. https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Records/ConstitutionalConvention-OfficeOfTheHistorian
• U.S. Congress. (2019). Papers of Alexander Hamilton. Library of Congress.
• Britannica. (2023). Constitutional Convention | History and Compromises. https://www.britannica.com
• Wikipedia. (2023). United States Constitution. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Constitution
• National Archives. (n.d.). The Constitutional Convention. https://www.archives.gov
• Hall, K. (2014). The Writing of the Constitution. Oxford University Press.
• Beeman, R. (2009). Plain, Honest Men: The Making of the American Constitution. Random House.
• Ellis, J. J. (2010). Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation. Knopf.
• Rakove, J. N. (1996). Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the Constitution. Vintage.