Chemerinsky on Constitutional Law - The Structure of Government

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/chemerinsky-on-constitutional-law-structure-of-government

Introduction

**Course Review: Chemerinsky on Constitutional Law - The Structure of Government** If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the complexities of the U.S. Constitution and its far-reaching implications in contemporary governance, the Coursera course "Chemerinsky on Constitutional Law - The Structure of Government" is an enlightening and comprehensive starting point. This course, led by renowned legal scholar Erwin Chemerinsky, provides students with a deep dive into the Constitution's formation, its interpretation over time, and how the shifting cultural and political landscapes have influenced its application. ### Overview of the Course The course revolves around understanding the Constitution—not just as a legal document but as a living framework that has evolved and adapted to changing societal needs. Chemerinsky's teaching style makes complex legal concepts accessible, and he dives into seminal cases and debates that have shaped American jurisprudence. From the very first module, "Why the Constitution?", students are encouraged to critically reflect on the purpose of the Constitution and its significance in American governance. This reflective approach sets a thoughtful tone for the course, prompting students to engage deeply with the material and its implications. ### Syllabus Breakdown Here's a brief synopsis of the modules included in the course: 1. **Welcome - Let's Get Started**: A brief introduction sets the stage for what's to come and prepares students for an engaging learning experience. 2. **Lecture 1 - Why the Constitution?**: This module tackles the foundational question of the Constitution's purpose and its role as a written document versus other forms of governance. 3. **Lecture 2 - The Federal Judicial Power**: Chemerinsky explores the concept of judicial review and asks critical questions about the limits of judicial power—essential for anyone interested in the interplay between law and government. 4. **Lecture 3 - The Federal Legislative Power**: Through landmark cases like McCullough vs. Maryland, students learn how legislative power is defined, including the relationship between federal authority and state limitations. 5. **Lecture 4 - The Federal Executive Power**: This module discusses presidential authority, especially in foreign policy, and the constitutional challenges associated with federal administrative agencies, an increasingly relevant topic in today's political arena. 6. **Lecture 5 - Federalism**: Here, students examine the balance of power between state and federal governments, focusing on critical concepts like preemption and the dormant commerce clause. 7. **Conclusion**: The course wraps up with final thoughts and reflections on the profound impact of constitutional law on daily life and government. ### Experience and Recommendations Chemerinsky's expertise and passionate delivery make the course engaging and intellectually stimulating. Whether you're a student of law, political science, or simply a curious citizen wanting to understand your rights and the mechanics of the U.S. political system, this course is structured to cater to all levels of knowledge. What stands out is Chemerinsky's ability to translate intricate legal principles into clear, digestible lessons. His discussions on landmark cases and their ramifications are not only informative but inspire students to think critically about the Constitution's role in current events. In addition, the interactive format of the course, with engaging lectures and thought-provoking questions, ensures that students are not mere passive observers but active participants in the learning process. ### Final Thoughts In a world where understanding the constitutional framework is more crucial than ever, "Chemerinsky on Constitutional Law - The Structure of Government" provides invaluable knowledge and insights. I'd enthusiastically recommend this course to anyone interested in grasping the significance of the Constitution in shaping American democracy, legal reasoning, and public policy. Whether you're looking to further your academic pursuits, enhance your professional skills, or simply satisfy your curiosity, this course is a must-take.

Syllabus

Welcome - Let's Get Started

In this module, we'll examine two facets of the critical question, "Why the Constitution?" First we'll answer the question, "what functions does the Constitution perform?" We'll then consider the question, "why achieve these functions in the form of a written Constitution?"

What is the authority of judicial review? Why is it important? If the federal judiciary can declare a statute or action unconstitutional, what checks are there on this power? These are several of the questions we will endeavor to answer in this module.

In this module we will consider three major questions: 1.How did McCullough vs. Maryland shape the power of the legislature? 2. What are the major powers of the Congress under the Constitution? 3. To what extent do states limit the power of the Congress?

The central questions in this module are: 1. When can a president act without express Constitutional or Congressional authority? 2. What are the Constitutional problems posed by the federal administrative agencies? 3. What is the authority of the President with regard to foreign policy?

The goal of this module is to consider two important ways that the power of states are kept in check by the federal government: preemption and the dormant commerce clause.

As the course draws to a final close, we would like to thank you for your participation.