America's Written Constitution

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America's Written Constitution

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About this course: An introduction to the main themes of the American Constitution—popular sovereignty, separation of powers, federalism, and rights.

Created by:  Yale University
  • Taught by:  Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science

    Yale Law School
Commitment 12-15 hours/week Language English How To Pass Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. User Ratings 4.7 stars Average User Rating 4.7See what learners said Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

Help from your peers

Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ide…

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When you enroll for courses through Coursera you get to choose for a paid plan or for a free plan

  • Free plan: No certicification and/or audit only. You will have access to all course materials except graded items.
  • Paid plan: Commit to earning a Certificate—it's a trusted, shareable way to showcase your new skills.

About this course: An introduction to the main themes of the American Constitution—popular sovereignty, separation of powers, federalism, and rights.

Created by:  Yale University
  • Taught by:  Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science

    Yale Law School
Commitment 12-15 hours/week Language English How To Pass Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. User Ratings 4.7 stars Average User Rating 4.7See what learners said Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

Help from your peers

Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.

Certificates

Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.

Yale University For more than 300 years, Yale University has inspired the minds that inspire the world. Based in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale brings people and ideas together for positive impact around the globe. A research university that focuses on students and encourages learning as an essential way of life, Yale is a place for connection, creativity, and innovation among cultures and across disciplines.

Syllabus


WEEK 1


Welcome!



This first module will help you get your bearings before diving into America's Written Constitution. You can watch a brief introduction to the course, learn about quizzes and writing assignments, and find out what you can look forward to learning. This section also provides you with a copy of The Document itself. There is no need to read through it right away, Our hope is that you will follow along as Prof. Amar works his ways through it over the course of the next 14 modules. Good luck, and we hope you enjoy the experience!


2 videos, 6 readings expand


  1. Video: Welcome!
  2. Video: Course Introduction
  3. Reading: Begin Here
  4. Reading: Meet the Instructor
  5. Reading: Grading and Logistics
  6. Reading: Bonus Material
  7. Reading: Suggested Readings
  8. Reading: The Constitution of the United States


In the Beginning
Ready to get started? Good. In this module, you'll take a guided tour of the Preamble and learn how one sentence changed the world.


2 videos expand


  1. Video: In the Beginning, Part 1
  2. Video: In the Beginning, Part 2


New Rules for a New World
In this module you will learn how geography, democracy, wealth, and race affected the structure of our legislative branch. Prof. Amar will explain the underlying factors behind decisions on Senatorial term limits, age qualifications, salaries and much more.


2 videos expand


  1. Video: New Rules for a New World, Part 1
  2. Video: New Rules for a New World, Part 2


WEEK 2


Congressional Powers



This entire module is devoted to just one section of one article of the U.S. constitution. It is the longest, and arguably, most important section of The Document. Article 1, Section 8, enumerates the powers held by Congress. Join Professor Amar, as he discusses the implications of these powers, including regulation of trade, creation of an army and navy, and the levying of taxes.


2 videos expand


  1. Video: Congressional Powers, Part 1
  2. Video: Congressional Powers, Part 2


America's First Officer
In this module you'll find out what about George Washington made him so uniquely qualified for the task of being our nation's first president. Learn how his actions before, during, and after his time in office set precedents which are still followed today.


2 videos expand


  1. Video: America's First Officer, Part 1
  2. Video: America's First Officer, Part 2

Graded: Mastery Quiz 1

WEEK 3


Presidential Powers



As the title of this module suggests, you will be hearing about the specific powers held by the President of the United States. Learn how the presidential pardon is directly related to national security and why the veto power is nearly insurmountable. Prof. Amar will also point out how in a small number of situations, the President of the United States is even more powerful than the King of England.


2 videos expand


  1. Video: Presidential Powers, Part 1
  2. Video: Presidential Powers, Part 2


Judges and Juries
The judicial branch of the U.S. today only vaguely resembles what framers had in mind. In this section you'll learn you about the decisions the men behind the judicial branch's expansion in power and in scale.


2 videos expand


  1. Video: Judges and Juries, Part 1
  2. Video: Judges and Juries, Part 2

Graded: Writing Assignment #1

WEEK 4


States and Territories



Article 4 of the Constitution outlines the interrelationship between States and territories. In order for this emerging country to succeed, the framers knew states would need to start thinking of themselves as parts of the same whole. To achieve this, rules needed to be set in place for interstate trade and travel. Prof. Amar will introduce the concept of Horizontal Federalism, looking specifically at how the Constitution accounts for the differences between state laws on slavery and voting rights. Finally you'll learn about the Taney-led Supreme Court, whose rulings on racial laws would help set America down the path to civil war.


2 videos expand


  1. Video: States and Territories, Part 1
  2. Video: States and Territories, Part 2


The Law of the Land



What's the difference between a treaty and a statute? Which takes precedent? In this module Prof. Amar takes you through article 7 of the Constitution. Along the way you'll learn the difference between laws, treaties, resolutions, and statutes. Learn how each one comes into being and how the inherent democracy of each determines their place in the hierarchy.


2 videos expand


  1. Video: The Law of the Land, Part 1
  2. Video: The Law of the Land, Part 2

Graded: Mastery Quiz 2

WEEK 5


Making Amends



Anti-Federalists, rejoice! This module's lectures go over the first ten amendments to America's constitution, also known as the Bill of Rights. These amendments contain some of the most iconic language contained in The Document. Freedom of Speech, the right to keep and bare arms, the right to a fair trial, all this can be found in the Bill of Rights. Prof. Amar will go over where the framers borrowed the ideas for these amendments, and also who championed and opposed their adoption.


2 videos expand


  1. Video: Making Amends, Part 1
  2. Video: Making Amends, Part 2


New Birth of Freedom



This module, as we move forward both in text and in time. After the first 12 amendments to the constitution, 50 quiescent years pass before three new amendments are ratified in rapid succession. The 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the U.S. Constitution brought radical change to America by abolishing slavery, redefining citizenship, and expanding voting rights. What event could possibly spur such significant legislative action? Get ready as Professor Amar guides us through a wholly singular look at America's Civil War.


2 videos expand


  1. Video: A New Birth of Freedom, Part 1
  2. Video: A New Birth of Freedom, Part 2

Graded: Writing Assignment #2

WEEK 6


Progressive Reforms



You may have noticed by now that amendments to the U.S. Constitution come in waves. In module 13 Professor Amar will go over the third wave to break. Amendments 16-19 made America's version of democracy more direct and more universal than ever before. The addition of women to the voting pool forever altered America's political course. Eventually leading to the passage of socially conscious policies such as the New Deal, the Great Society, and Obamacare.


2 videos expand


  1. Video: Progressive Reforms, Part 1
  2. Video: Progressive Reforms, Part 2


Modern Moves



The surging Civil Right's Movement of the 1960's along with wars both cold and hot, made the political environment in the U.S. ripe for change. Prof. Amar explains out how amendments 23-26 continued making the United States' brand of democracy more universal and more egalitarian. After briefly covering the 27th Amendment, a question is posed to you, the learner: What do you think the next amendment to the Constitution should be?


2 videos expand


  1. Video: Modern Moves, Part 1
  2. Video: Modern Moves, Part 2

Graded: Mastery Quiz 3

Bonus Content Archive
This content is not tied to the assessment materials in any way, but it is interesting, entertaining and informative nonetheless. We encourage all learners to take some time to watch these videos and post about them in the discussion forums!


6 videos expand


  1. Video: Conversation with Lucas Swineford
  2. Video: Three Justices
  3. Video: Mooc Court
  4. Video: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor Visits Yale
  5. Video: Rare Books Department
  6. Video: Q&A with Bradley


Conclusion



Professor Amar hopes you will continue your journey through the U.S. Constitution by going beneath, beyond, and behind the text in AWC's sister course America's Unwritten Constitution. You'll learn of the traditions, court decisions, popular values, and precedents that compliment the text and complete The Document.


2 videos expand


  1. Video: Farewell
  2. Video: Conclusion
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