You will now practice analyzing historical evidence using the two excerpts from texts about the Bill of Rights. First, you will answer questions about the sources. Next, you will analyze Thomas Jefferson's letter to James Madison and consider the credibility of his argument. Finally, you will write a brief paragraph about what you learned. To get the best grade possible, follow the instructions in the assignment closely and answer all the questions completely. This assignment is worth 30 points.

Part 1: Working with Sources
Look more closely at the two excerpts from texts about the Bill of Rights and complete the table. Your answers do not need to be in complete sentences. This part of the assignment is worth 10 points.

From Independence to Governance
Is this a primary or a secondary source?

Who created the source?

When was the source created?

What information does the source provide?



What is the complete MLA citation for the source?







"Letter from Thomas Jefferson to James Madison"
Is this a primary or a secondary source?

Who created the source?

When was the source created?

What information does the source provide?



What is the complete MLA citation for the source?







Part 2: Analyzing Your Sources
Analyze a source about the Bill of Rights by answering the following question. Your response should be two to three complete sentences in length. This part of the assignment is worth 4 points.

What is Jefferson saying he does "not like" in his letter to Madison? Why were Jefferson and others with similar views fighting for a bill of rights to be added to the Constitution?









Part 3: Writing about Your Sources
Write a complete paragraph that clearly describes the Bill of Rights and explains one reason why Jefferson believed it was a necessary addition to the U.S. Constitution. Your response should include at least one direct quote from or paraphrase of the texts. Be sure to cite your source within your writing by following the material you're quoting or paraphrasing with the author's name in parentheses and a page number, if you use material from the book source. Also be sure to include a full MLA citation of all sources you used at the end of your paragraph.

Your paragraph should be three to five sentences in length and include a topic sentence, supporting details, and a concluding sentence. It should also use proper spelling and punctuation. This part of the assignment is worth 16 points. Use the rubric to evaluate your paragraph.