America's Written Constitution

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/written-constitution

Introduction

## Course Review: America's Written Constitution on Coursera If you’re curious about the foundational structure of the U.S. government and the guiding principles laid out in its Constitution, look no further than Coursera’s course titled **America's Written Constitution**. Taught by esteemed legal scholar **Professor Akhil Reed Amar**, this course dives deep into the essential themes and detailed elements of the American Constitution, offering learners a comprehensive introduction to its relevance and implications today. ### Overview of the Course **America's Written Constitution** is structured to guide participants through the core themes of the Constitution: popular sovereignty, separation of powers, federalism, and individual rights. With a total of 14 modules, the course is designed to be both informative and engaging, making complex legal and political concepts accessible to a wide audience. ### Course Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Welcome Module**: Kicking off the course, this module sets the expectations, outlines available resources, and provides learners with the Constitution text. Prof. Amar lays the groundwork by encouraging students to follow along as he navigates its intricacies. 2. **In the Beginning**: Here, learners embark on a guided exploration of the Preamble, uncovering the monumental significance of its single sentence. 3. **New Rules for a New World**: This module examines how various socio-political elements such as geography and race shaped the legislative framework, covering essential aspects of the legislative branch's design. 4. **Congressional Powers**: A concentrated study on Article 1, Section 8, this section explicates the vast powers of Congress. Prof. Amar discusses critical legislative authority, touching on issues from trade regulation to military establishment. 5. **America's First Officer**: An exploration of George Washington's presidency reveals how his choices helped forge guidelines that continue to influence modern governance. 6. **Presidential Powers**: Learners will discover the powers vested in the U.S. President, with a keen focus on national security implications and the strategic use of veto powers. 7. **Judges and Juries**: A dive into the evolution of the judicial branch reveals how it began as a rudimentary framework and grew into its modern form. 8. **States and Territories**: This module clarifies the relationship among states, offering insights into interstate trade and civil rights issues, especially in light of historical events. 9. **The Law of the Land**: Prof. Amar simplifies legal hierarchy while addressing treaties, statutes, and their implications on citizenship and governance. 10. **Making Amends**: Focusing on the Bill of Rights, this module dissects the framers' inspirations behind essential civil liberties. 11. **New Birth of Freedom**: A pivotal moment in American history is explored as students engage with the amendments that emerged from the Civil War, redefining citizenship and rights. 12. **Progressive Reforms**: This section highlights the amendments that broadened democracy in America, particularly regarding women's suffrage. 13. **Modern Moves**: The course then discusses how various movements influenced the evolution of the Constitution into the 21st century, prompting learners to reflect on the future of constitutional amendments. 14. **Bonus Content Archive**: Untethered from assessments, this collection of supplemental videos enriches the learning experience with engaging discussions. 15. **Conclusion**: Professor Amar encourages learners to delve deeper into the constitutional landscape, suggesting further exploration through his companion course, **America's Unwritten Constitution**. ### Why You Should Enroll **America's Written Constitution** is not only a rich educational experience, but it also empowers participants with a modern understanding of historical contexts and legal frameworks. Here are some standout reasons to enroll: - **Expert Instruction**: Professor Amar is a renowned legal scholar whose ability to break down complex ideas into digestible segments makes learning enjoyable. - **Engaging Content**: The course leverages a mix of video lectures, readings, quizzes, and interactive assignments that cater to various learning styles and ensure active engagement. - **Critical Thinking**: Students are encouraged to reflect critically on the Constitution’s interpretation and its continued evolution, fostering a deeper understanding of civic responsibilities. - **Flexible Learning**: Offered online, the course allows you to learn at your own pace, making it accessible for anyone with a passion for law, history, or political science. ### Final Thoughts Taking the **America's Written Constitution** course on Coursera is an enriching, intellectually stimulating journey into the legal foundations of the U.S. The skills and knowledge you acquire will not only enhance your understanding of American governance but also empower you as a more informed citizen. Whether you are a student, a professional, or just a curious individual, this course is a recommendation that you won’t regret. Enroll today and start your journey into the depths of democracy and governance!

Syllabus

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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!

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.