An introduction to the main themes of the American Constitution—popular sovereignty, separation of powers, federalism, and rights.
America's Written Constitution
proposé par
Yale University
Programme du cours : ce que vous apprendrez dans ce cours
Semaine
1Welcome!
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 vidéos (Total 26 min), 7 lectures
7 lectures
Pre-Course Survey10 min
Begin Here10 min
Meet the Instructor10 min
Grading and Logistics10 min
Bonus Material10 min
Suggested Readings10 min
The Constitution of the United States10 min
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 vidéos (Total 46 min)
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 vidéos (Total 46 min)
Semaine
2Congressional 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 vidéos (Total 46 min)
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 vidéos (Total 48 min), 1 quiz
1 exercice pour s'entraîner
Mastery Quiz 114 min
Semaine
3Presidential 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 vidéos (Total 47 min)
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 vidéos (Total 53 min), 1 quiz
Semaine
4States 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 vidéos (Total 50 min)
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 vidéos (Total 44 min), 1 quiz
1 exercice pour s'entraîner
Mastery Quiz 214 min
4.7
59 avisMeilleurs avis
par SG•Jan 7th 2017
Awesome!! Even for a History major like myself it was incredibly thought provoking and extremely well taught. I only wish every American received this level of instruction on The Constitution.
par MM•Aug 14th 2017
Very interesting course. I learnt a lot. Also about the American history. Very nice that this course is given by Professor Amar. He speaks with a lot of passion for this subject.
Enseignant
Akhil Reed Amar
Sterling Professor of Law and Political ScienceYale Law School
À propos de 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.
Foire Aux Questions
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