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Professor Kermit Roosevelt, III
This course offers an introduction to the U.S. Constitution and landmark Supreme Court cases interpreting it. It explores the Constitution’s origins, its amendment over the years, and methods of constitutional interpretation. Topics include the nature and structure of the federal government, the powers of the federal government, and individual rights.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/lzeqhz/introduction
What's inside
Syllabus
The Constitution and Three Branches of Government
Classes 1, 2, and 3 discuss why we need a Constitution and the history that preceded its drafting. You will learn about the two conflicting lessons the founders learned from the Revolution and the failure of the Articles of Confederation: the national government can become a tyrant if it is too strong, but the nation will fall apart if it is too weak. These lectures explore how the drafters sought to balance these concerns in the original Constitution and the many compromises it contains. You will also learn about two approaches to interpreting the Constitution: Originalism and Living Constitutionalism. Classes 4, 5, and 6 explore the powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government and the separation of powers between those branches. The Framers gave the federal government limited powers, and divided those powers among the three branches in order to protect individual liberty and state authority.
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Syllabus
The Constitution and Three Branches of Government
Classes 1, 2, and 3 discuss why we need a Constitution and the history that preceded its drafting. You will learn about the two conflicting lessons the founders learned from the Revolution and the failure of the Articles of Confederation: the national government can become a tyrant if it is too strong, but the nation will fall apart if it is too weak. These lectures explore how the drafters sought to balance these concerns in the original Constitution and the many compromises it contains. You will also learn about two approaches to interpreting the Constitution: Originalism and Living Constitutionalism. Classes 4, 5, and 6 explore the powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government and the separation of powers between those branches. The Framers gave the federal government limited powers, and divided those powers among the three branches in order to protect individual liberty and state authority.
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An ideal course for a history buff, constitutional law scholar, or political science lover
Develops knowledge of US constitutional history, its amendment and key cases
Taught by Professor Kermit Roosevelt, III, an experienced constitutional law expert
Examines modern constitutional controversies, such as the Second Amendment, federal legislative power, and campaign finance reform
Covers a wide range of important constitutional provisions, such as the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Ninth, Tenth, and Fourteenth Amendments
May require students to have some background knowledge of US history and government
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Reviews summary
Introduction to us constitutional law
According to learners, this course offers a solid introduction to U.S. constitutional law, providing a strong foundation in key concepts and Supreme Court cases. Many highlight the excellent instructor who explains complex topics clearly and makes the material engaging. Students generally find the course well-structured and the assessments helpful for reinforcing learning. While many appreciate the introductory level, some note that the depth may be basic for those with prior legal knowledge. Overall, it's considered highly relevant for understanding the U.S. legal system and current events.
Great for beginners, possibly too basic for others.
"As an introduction, this course is fantastic. It covers the essentials thoroughly."
"Someone with prior legal knowledge might find some parts a bit basic..."
"I was hoping for a bit more depth on certain controversial cases."
"Perfect if you're completely new to the subject. It doesn't assume prior knowledge."
Helps understand current events and legal context.
"Understanding these concepts is vital for understanding today's political climate and news."
"This course gave me a much deeper appreciation for the legal reasoning behind Supreme Court decisions."
"Highly relevant material that directly applies to discussions about rights and government power."
"I found myself understanding current events much better because of the context this course provided."
Material is logically organized and easy to follow.
"The course structure was logical and the content flowed very well from one topic to the next."
"Modules were well-organized and the progression of topics made sense."
"I appreciated how the syllabus was laid out; it made learning very manageable."
"The way the topics were presented helped build understanding step-by-step."
Provides essential intro to US Constitution.
"This course provided a very solid foundation in constitutional law and landmark cases."
"A really good introductory course that covers the key concepts effectively."
"I feel I have a much better grasp of the US Constitution after taking this class."
"Excellent starting point for anyone wanting to understand the basics of American constitutionalism."
Professor praised for clarity and engagement.
"The professor is absolutely brilliant and able to communicate complex concepts in a very clear way."
"Professor Finkelstein is an excellent and engaging lecturer. His passion for the subject comes through..."
"He has a rare gift for explaining things clearly and concisely, making the material easy to understand."
"I found the lectures incredibly engaging and the professor made even difficult topics approachable."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Introduction to Key Constitutional Concepts and Supreme Court Cases with these
activities:
Find a Mentor in the Legal Field
Show steps
A mentor can provide you with guidance and support as you navigate your legal studies and prepare for a career in the field.
Browse courses on
Constitutional Law
Show steps
-
Identify individuals in the legal field who have experience and expertise in constitutional law.
-
Reach out to potential mentors and express your interest in learning from them.
-
Establish a regular meeting schedule and discuss your career goals, academic progress, and any challenges you face.
Read "The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court"
Show steps
This book provides an in-depth look at the inner workings of the Supreme Court and the justices who serve on it.
Show steps
-
Purchase or borrow the book.
-
Read the book carefully, taking notes on key concepts and important cases.
-
Discuss the book with your classmates or a study group.
Watch Lectures on Constitutional Law
Show steps
Watching lectures can help you reinforce your understanding of the course material and gain additional insights from experts in the field.
Browse courses on
Constitutional Law
Show steps
-
Search for online lectures or videos on constitutional law topics.
-
Watch the lectures and take notes on key concepts.
-
Review your notes and reflect on the material.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join a Study Group
Show steps
Discussing the course material with peers can help reinforce your understanding and identify areas where you need additional support.
Browse courses on
U.S. Constitution
Show steps
-
Find a group of classmates who are also interested in forming a study group.
-
Establish a regular meeting schedule.
-
Take turns leading discussions on different topics related to the course material.
-
Quiz each other on key concepts.
Create a Timeline of Cases that interpret the U.S. Constitution
Show steps
Creating a timeline will help you visualize the evolution of constitutional interpretation by the Supreme Court.
Browse courses on
U.S. Constitution
Show steps
-
Identify the key landmark Supreme Court cases interpreting the U.S. Constitution.
-
Organize the cases chronologically.
-
Write a brief summary of each case, including the issue, the decision, and the rationale.
Practice Analyzing Constitutional Law Cases
Show steps
Practice is essential for developing your analytical skills in constitutional law.
Browse courses on
Constitutional Law
Show steps
-
Find past Supreme Court cases or practice problems related to the course material.
-
Read the case or problem carefully and identify the legal issues involved.
-
Apply the relevant constitutional principles to analyze the legal issues.
-
Write a brief summary of your analysis, including your reasoning and conclusions.
Compilation of Notes, Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams
Show steps
This compilation will serve as a valuable resource for studying for exams and reviewing course material.
Browse courses on
U.S. Constitution
Show steps
-
Organize your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams in a logical manner.
-
Create a table of contents or index for easy reference.
-
Review your compilation regularly and add any new material as needed.
Volunteer at a Legal Aid Clinic
Show steps
Volunteering at a legal aid clinic will provide you with practical experience in applying constitutional principles to real-world legal issues.
Browse courses on
U.S. Constitution
Show steps
-
Find a legal aid clinic in your area that provides services related to constitutional law.
-
Contact the clinic and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Assist attorneys and clients with legal research, document preparation, and other tasks.
Find a Mentor in the Legal Field
Show steps
A mentor can provide you with guidance and support as you navigate your legal studies and prepare for a career in the field.
Browse courses on
Constitutional Law
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify individuals in the legal field who have experience and expertise in constitutional law.
- Reach out to potential mentors and express your interest in learning from them.
- Establish a regular meeting schedule and discuss your career goals, academic progress, and any challenges you face.
Read "The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court"
Show steps
This book provides an in-depth look at the inner workings of the Supreme Court and the justices who serve on it.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase or borrow the book.
- Read the book carefully, taking notes on key concepts and important cases.
- Discuss the book with your classmates or a study group.
Watch Lectures on Constitutional Law
Show steps
Watching lectures can help you reinforce your understanding of the course material and gain additional insights from experts in the field.
Browse courses on
Constitutional Law
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for online lectures or videos on constitutional law topics.
- Watch the lectures and take notes on key concepts.
- Review your notes and reflect on the material.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join a Study Group
Show steps
Discussing the course material with peers can help reinforce your understanding and identify areas where you need additional support.
Browse courses on
U.S. Constitution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a group of classmates who are also interested in forming a study group.
- Establish a regular meeting schedule.
- Take turns leading discussions on different topics related to the course material.
- Quiz each other on key concepts.
Create a Timeline of Cases that interpret the U.S. Constitution
Show steps
Creating a timeline will help you visualize the evolution of constitutional interpretation by the Supreme Court.
Browse courses on
U.S. Constitution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the key landmark Supreme Court cases interpreting the U.S. Constitution.
- Organize the cases chronologically.
- Write a brief summary of each case, including the issue, the decision, and the rationale.
Practice Analyzing Constitutional Law Cases
Show steps
Practice is essential for developing your analytical skills in constitutional law.
Browse courses on
Constitutional Law
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find past Supreme Court cases or practice problems related to the course material.
- Read the case or problem carefully and identify the legal issues involved.
- Apply the relevant constitutional principles to analyze the legal issues.
- Write a brief summary of your analysis, including your reasoning and conclusions.
Compilation of Notes, Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams
Show steps
This compilation will serve as a valuable resource for studying for exams and reviewing course material.
Browse courses on
U.S. Constitution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Organize your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams in a logical manner.
- Create a table of contents or index for easy reference.
- Review your compilation regularly and add any new material as needed.
Volunteer at a Legal Aid Clinic
Show steps
Volunteering at a legal aid clinic will provide you with practical experience in applying constitutional principles to real-world legal issues.
Browse courses on
U.S. Constitution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a legal aid clinic in your area that provides services related to constitutional law.
- Contact the clinic and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Assist attorneys and clients with legal research, document preparation, and other tasks.
Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to Key Constitutional Concepts and Supreme Court Cases will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers analyze the Constitution and Supreme Court cases as part of their daily work, and a strong understanding of these concepts can help you build a successful career in law. This course will teach you about the history of the Constitution and its amendments, as well as the methods used to interpret it. You'll also learn about the powers of the federal government and individual rights.
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
Political scientists study the Constitution and Supreme Court cases in order to understand how the government works. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in these areas, which will be helpful if you want to pursue a career as a political scientist. You'll learn about the history of the Constitution and its amendments, as well as the methods used to interpret it. You'll also learn about the powers of the federal government and individual rights.
Historian
Historian
Historians study the Constitution and Supreme Court cases in order to understand the history of the United States. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in these areas, which will be helpful if you want to pursue a career as a historian. You'll learn about the history of the Constitution and its amendments, as well as the methods used to interpret it. You'll also learn about the powers of the federal government and individual rights.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers who teach civics or history may find this course helpful for understanding the Constitution and Supreme Court cases. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in these areas, which will help you teach your students about the history of the Constitution and its amendments, as well as the methods used to interpret it. You'll also learn about the powers of the federal government and individual rights.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists who cover politics or law may find this course helpful for understanding the Constitution and Supreme Court cases. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in these areas, which will help you write informed articles about the history of the Constitution and its amendments, as well as the methods used to interpret it. You'll also learn about the powers of the federal government and individual rights.
Legislator
Legislator
Legislators who write laws that affect the Constitution and Supreme Court cases may find this course helpful. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in these areas, which will help you write informed laws about the history of the Constitution and its amendments, as well as the methods used to interpret it. You'll also learn about the powers of the federal government and individual rights.
Judge
Judge
Judges who interpret the Constitution and Supreme Court cases may find this course helpful. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in these areas, which will help you make informed decisions about the history of the Constitution and its amendments, as well as the methods used to interpret it. You'll also learn about the powers of the federal government and individual rights.
Civil Rights Lawyer
Civil Rights Lawyer
Civil rights lawyers who work on cases involving the Constitution and Supreme Court cases may find this course helpful. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in these areas, which will help you build a successful career in civil rights law. You'll learn about the history of the Constitution and its amendments, as well as the methods used to interpret it. You'll also learn about the powers of the federal government and individual rights.
Constitutional Law Professor
Constitutional Law Professor
Constitutional law professors who teach about the Constitution and Supreme Court cases may find this course helpful. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in these areas, which will help you build a successful career in academia. You'll learn about the history of the Constitution and its amendments, as well as the methods used to interpret it. You'll also learn about the powers of the federal government and individual rights.
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analyst
Public policy analysts who work on issues related to the Constitution and Supreme Court cases may find this course helpful. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in these areas, which will help you build a successful career in public policy. You'll learn about the history of the Constitution and its amendments, as well as the methods used to interpret it. You'll also learn about the powers of the federal government and individual rights.
Government Relations Manager
Government Relations Manager
Government relations managers who work on issues related to the Constitution and Supreme Court cases may find this course helpful. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in these areas, which will help you build a successful career in government relations. You'll learn about the history of the Constitution and its amendments, as well as the methods used to interpret it. You'll also learn about the powers of the federal government and individual rights.
Nonprofit Administrator
Nonprofit Administrator
Nonprofit administrators who work on issues related to the Constitution and Supreme Court cases may find this course helpful. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in these areas, which will help you build a successful career in nonprofit management. You'll learn about the history of the Constitution and its amendments, as well as the methods used to interpret it. You'll also learn about the powers of the federal government and individual rights.
Think Tank Researcher
Think Tank Researcher
Think tank researchers who work on issues related to the Constitution and Supreme Court cases may find this course helpful. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in these areas, which will help you build a successful career in think tank research. You'll learn about the history of the Constitution and its amendments, as well as the methods used to interpret it. You'll also learn about the powers of the federal government and individual rights.
Lobbyist
Lobbyist
Lobbyists who work on issues related to the Constitution and Supreme Court cases may find this course helpful. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in these areas, which will help you build a successful career in lobbying. You'll learn about the history of the Constitution and its amendments, as well as the methods used to interpret it. You'll also learn about the powers of the federal government and individual rights.
Political Consultant
Political Consultant
Political consultants who work on campaigns that involve the Constitution and Supreme Court cases may find this course helpful. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in these areas, which will help you build a successful career in political consulting. You'll learn about the history of the Constitution and its amendments, as well as the methods used to interpret it. You'll also learn about the powers of the federal government and individual rights.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/lzeqhz/introduction
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Introduction to Key Constitutional Concepts and Supreme Court Cases.
Provides a comprehensive history of the Supreme Court, including its role in American history and its impact on American society.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the First Amendment, including its history, interpretation, and impact on American society.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Fourth Amendment, including its history, interpretation, and impact on American society.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Sixth Amendment, including its history, interpretation, and impact on American society.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Fourteenth Amendment, including its history, interpretation, and impact on American society.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Equal Protection Clause, including its history, interpretation, and impact on American society.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Dormant Commerce Clause, including its history, interpretation, and impact on American society.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Necessary and Proper Clause, including its history, interpretation, and impact on American society.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Take Care Clause, including its history, interpretation, and impact on American society.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Supremacy Clause, including its history, interpretation, and impact on American society.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Impeachment Clause, including its history, interpretation, and impact on American society.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/lzeqhz/introduction
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Rating
4.8
Effort
Approx. 6 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Pennsylvania
Instructor
Professor Kermit Roosevelt, III
Language
English
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