Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/written-constitution
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of the American Constitution, Coursera’s course, “America’s Written Constitution,” is an excellent choice. Taught by Professor Akhil Reed Amar, this course provides a thorough exploration of the Constitution’s main themes, including popular sovereignty, separation of powers, federalism, and rights.
The course is structured into 14 modules, each focusing on different aspects of the Constitution. The first module serves as an introduction, guiding you through the course layout and providing access to the Constitution itself. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the material before diving deeper.
One of the standout modules is “In the Beginning,” where Professor Amar takes you on a guided tour of the Preamble, explaining how one sentence changed the world. This sets the stage for understanding the foundational principles of the Constitution.
As you progress through the course, you’ll learn about the legislative branch’s structure in “New Rules for a New World,” and delve into the powers of Congress in “Congressional Powers.” Amar’s engaging teaching style makes complex topics accessible and interesting, ensuring that you grasp the implications of congressional powers, including trade regulation and taxation.
The course also covers the presidency in detail. In “America’s First Officer,” you’ll discover what made George Washington uniquely qualified to be the first president and how his actions set lasting precedents. The module on “Presidential Powers” further explores the specific powers held by the President, including the presidential pardon and veto power.
The judicial branch is not overlooked either. In “Judges and Juries,” you’ll learn about the evolution of the judicial system and how it differs from the framers’ original vision. The course also addresses the relationship between states and territories, highlighting the importance of interstate relations and the concept of Horizontal Federalism.
The Bill of Rights is another crucial topic covered in the module “Making Amends,” where Amar discusses the first ten amendments and their significance in American democracy. The course continues to explore amendments that brought about significant social changes, such as the abolition of slavery and the expansion of voting rights.
As you reach the final modules, you’ll see how modern amendments reflect the ongoing evolution of American democracy, particularly in the context of the Civil Rights Movement and subsequent reforms.
Overall, “America’s Written Constitution” is a well-structured and informative course that not only educates but also encourages critical thinking about the Constitution’s relevance today. Whether you’re a student of history, a law enthusiast, or simply curious about American governance, this course is highly recommended.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the Constitution and its impact on American society, making it a worthwhile investment of your time.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/written-constitution