Question

Jacob is required to use primary sources for a research paper about the US Constitution. He found a book containing photocopies of original handwritten letters by Thomas Jefferson. The following paragraph is taken from a letter that Thomas Jefferson wrote to James Madison in 1787 about the US Constitution. Why would the book be considered a primary source? Use evidence from the letter to support your answer.

Answer 1

The letter was original, meaning that Thomas Jefferson wrote it himself. The words in the letter are Thomas Jefferson’s original words which makes it a primary source since it came straight from him.

Answer 2

Answer:

The book contains photocopies of Jefferson’s original letters. Not only are these letters Jefferson’s actual words, but the copies also present his words in his own handwriting. While the page isn’t the actual letter, Jacob is quoting Jefferson’s actual words and thoughts. Therefore, the book is a primary source document.

Explanation: