HIS 100 Historical Context Chart
OMOLARA FALADE
Prompt: To understand your topic, you need to understand the world in which the events related to that topic took place. First, list your research topic and the revised research question you plan to address moving forward. Then, choose two secondary sources related to your research topic and provide the citation for each in the chart. You may use secondary sources from previous assignments. Next, explain in the chart what each source tells you about the historical context of a chosen event and how it relates to your topic. In the last chart column, explain how the context provided by the source will help you write your thesis statement, answering your research question.
Replace the bracketed text with the relevant information.
Historical Context Chart
Research Topic: Drafting the U.S Constitution
Selected Revised Research Question: Did the drafting of the United States constitution assist in ensuring checks and balances among the powers of governance.
| Secondary Source Citation | Historical Context of Event | Support Your Thesis Statement |
| Beeman, R. (2010). Plain, honest men: the making of the American Constitution. Random House Incorporated. | The source expounds on the expertise that was involved during the drafting of the constitution. It provides information on the events leading to the formation of the constitution. In the final days of the revolution the country was facing major socio-economic problems which made the citizens consider making changes to the makeshift articles of the confederation. According to the author, various challenges were experienced during the drafting of the constitution. The members involved however, were able to overcome the challenges due to their expertise and ensured that checks and balances of power were protected in the constitution. | The checks and balances provided in the source offer a good foundation for defending the thesis statement. The source has adequate information on the factors that were put into consideration during the drafting of the constitution and would therefore answer the research question on whether the drafting of the constitution ensured checks and balances among the governance powers. |
| Kowalski, K. M. (2017). Checks and balances: a look at the powers of government. Lerner Publications™. | The source explains the factors that prompted the need for drafting the constitution. The socio-economic problems being faced by the country led to the need for proper governance. the president did not have much power other than organizing and leading meetings in the congress which did not also have much power. There was a need for a power structure that was based checks and balances that would be acceptable by the people. the source effectively explains the events that took place before and during the drafting of the constitution.
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The book explains the meaning of check and balances and their importance among the powers of governance. the limits of power are explained and their effectiveness in ensuring the government runs smoothly. The limits are well outlined in the constitution which will help support the thesis statement and answer the research question on the role of the constitution in ensuring checks and balances in the US government. |
