Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/written-constitution
Curious about the foundational document of the United States but intimidated by its dense legal language? Coursera’s ‘America’s Written Constitution’ course, taught by the insightful Professor Amar, is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to grasp the core principles of this pivotal text. This course breaks down the U.S. Constitution into digestible modules, making complex concepts accessible to a broad audience.
From the very first module, ‘Welcome!’, the course sets a clear roadmap. Professor Amar introduces the learning objectives, assessment methods, and crucially, provides access to ‘The Document’ itself. The course wisely encourages learners to follow along as the text is dissected, rather than attempting a daunting initial read-through.
‘In the Beginning’ immediately dives into the Preamble, highlighting its world-changing impact through a single, powerful sentence. The subsequent modules systematically explore the key themes. ‘New Rules for a New World’ examines the legislative branch, delving into factors like geography, democracy, wealth, and race that shaped decisions on senatorial term limits, age qualifications, and salaries. ‘Congressional Powers’ dedicates an entire module to Article 1, Section 8, unraveling the implications of Congress’s enumerated powers, including trade regulation, military creation, and taxation.
The course then moves to the executive and judicial branches. ‘America’s First Officer’ provides a fascinating look at George Washington’s unique qualifications and the precedents he set. ‘Presidential Powers’ explores the specific authorities of the President, linking the pardon power to national security and explaining the formidable nature of the veto power.
‘Judges and Juries’ offers a nuanced perspective on the judicial branch, contrasting its framers’ original vision with its modern reality and exploring the decisions that led to its expansion. ‘States and Territories’ tackles Article 4, focusing on horizontal federalism, interstate commerce, and the historical context of differing state laws on issues like slavery and voting rights, culminating in a discussion of the Taney-led Supreme Court’s impact.
‘The Law of the Land’ clarifies the hierarchy of legal documents like treaties and statutes, while ‘Making Amends’ delves into the Bill of Rights, exploring the origins of iconic freedoms and the debates surrounding their adoption. The course progresses chronologically with ‘New Birth of Freedom,’ examining the transformative 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments and their connection to the Civil War. ‘Progressive Reforms’ covers amendments 16-19, detailing how they made American democracy more direct and universal, influencing policies like the New Deal and Obamacare.
‘Modern Moves’ brings the discussion to the Civil Rights Movement and subsequent amendments (23-26), emphasizing the ongoing evolution towards a more egalitarian democracy. The course concludes by posing a thought-provoking question about the future of the Constitution, encouraging learners to consider what the next amendment might be. The bonus content and the recommendation to explore ‘America’s Unwritten Constitution’ provide further avenues for deepening understanding.
Overall, ‘America’s Written Constitution’ is a highly recommended course for its clear explanations, logical structure, and engaging delivery. Professor Amar’s expertise shines through, making a potentially dry subject both informative and captivating. It’s an ideal starting point for students, history buffs, or any citizen seeking a solid understanding of American governance.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/written-constitution