Final answer:
Analyzing historical political cartoons involves describing the depicted elements, understanding the symbols and issues, and assessing the cartoonist's message and potential biases. While they are not objective sources, they can be used in factual research papers with critical evaluation and proper citations.
Step-by-step explanation:
To analyze historical political cartoons for a school project, one would first describe the objects or people depicted, identify any symbols, and attempt to understand the issue being addressed. Political cartoons can be powerful tools as they often encapsulate the cartoonist's opinion on social or political matters.
For example, a political cartoon representing the Democratic Party might illustrate issues such as social welfare programs or civil rights, which have historically been associated with the party's platform. Conversely, a Republican Party cartoon could focus on themes like smaller government and lower taxes.