The primary sources MUST be core of what the paper concerns. The best papers are ones that focus on a specific issue, institution, movement, incident, individual, or the like at a particular moment in history and then place that topic in a broader historical context. The various articles you are reading are good models of what you should try to do in your paper. Obviously, I do not expect you to reach that level of work as you do not have the time nor are the resources available. The various due dates throughout the semester have the purpose of creating an ongoing dialogue between the instructor and the students about their papers.
All assignments are due at the beginning of class.
Also explain why you are interested in this issue and why this topic is important. If you are having trouble coming up with a topic, make an appointment with the instructor. You must meet the distribution requirements as outlined in point 2 above. In particular, you must included the primary sources you will be using. You should also indicate which of the books in you will critiquing.