We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Danielle Allen
When you read the Declaration of Independence do you feel inspired? Do you question those words? Do you think about what this means today?
Constitutional democracy is not just what was written on paper nearly 250 years ago; it is a living activity. It’s about what citizens need to do to make democracy work, about identifying your civic beliefs and duties and what matters to you and why—and how you can become an active participant in your communities and influence your government.
Read more
When you read the Declaration of Independence do you feel inspired? Do you question those words? Do you think about what this means today?
Constitutional democracy is not just what was written on paper nearly 250 years ago; it is a living activity. It’s about what citizens need to do to make democracy work, about identifying your civic beliefs and duties and what matters to you and why—and how you can become an active participant in your communities and influence your government.
Read more
When you read the Declaration of Independence do you feel inspired? Do you question those words? Do you think about what this means today?
Constitutional democracy is not just what was written on paper nearly 250 years ago; it is a living activity. It’s about what citizens need to do to make democracy work, about identifying your civic beliefs and duties and what matters to you and why—and how you can become an active participant in your communities and influence your government.
In We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy, you will gain a foundational knowledge of American constitutional democracy and understand how to encourage others to explore their own civic paths, while in parallel crafting your own civic voice and identity. You'll learn about rights and responsibilities, constitutionalism, the philosophical foundations of democracy, and the levers of change. This course is built on more than ten years of academic research through the Democratic Knowledge Project, an initiative of the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics at Harvard University.
Don’t sit back—your civic actions are just beginning.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/o1hnb7/we
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Tell a story of self that explains what you value and why and the kind of communities and government in which you’d like to live
- Understand what it looks like when rights are not protected and how constitutional democracies are designed to secure rights
- Understand how and why u.s. democracy was built as it was, how it has changed over time, and what the levers of change are in this constitutional democracy
- Move from “i” to “we” in order to connect your own interests with those of broader communities, with awareness of how a diversity of perspectives and experiences can be integrated in the story of what u.s. democracy has been historically and can be in the future
- Differentiate and choose among the civic roles available to people who live in a constitutional democracy
- Express your opinions in public forums and create your next step plans as a civic participant
- Tell a story of self that explains what you value and why and the kind of communities and government in which you’d like to live
- Understand what it looks like when rights are not protected and how constitutional democracies are designed to secure rights
- Understand how and why u.s. democracy was built as it was, how it has changed over time, and what the levers of change are in this constitutional democracy
- Move from “i” to “we” in order to connect your own interests with those of broader communities, with awareness of how a diversity of perspectives and experiences can be integrated in the story of what u.s. democracy has been historically and can be in the future
- Differentiate and choose among the civic roles available to people who live in a constitutional democracy
- Express your opinions in public forums and create your next step plans as a civic participant
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Uncovers the significance of rights, constitutionalism, and democracy, fostering a deep understanding of their role in shaping a democratic society
Promotes active civic participation by guiding learners to identify their civic beliefs and duties, empowering them to become engaged citizens
Rooted in extensive academic research, providing a solid foundation in American constitutional democracy and its historical evolution
Facilitates the exploration of diverse perspectives and experiences, fostering a nuanced understanding of the complexities of civic engagement
Empowers learners to develop their own civic voice and identity, enabling them to make informed decisions and contribute to their communities
Provides a platform for learners to connect with others and engage in meaningful civic discussions, fostering a sense of community and collective action
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Civic action in constitutional democracy
Learners say this course provides an insightful and comprehensive understanding of American constitutional democracy, empowering them to become active participants. Many found the lectures engaging and the instructors knowledgeable. The unique 'story of self' and 'from I to We' frameworks are frequently highlighted as transformative for articulating civic identity and values. While praised for its relevance and connection to current events, some learners with less prior knowledge found certain concepts rushed or the material more theoretical than directly actionable, wishing for more explicit guidance on specific civic actions. Overall, it's considered a valuable and thought-provoking educational experience.
Lecturers are highly informed and deliver content well.
"The lectures were engaging, and the 'story of self' exercises helped me articulate my civic identity."
"The instructors were knowledgeable."
"Very strong content on constitutional principles. The lectures are well-delivered by knowledgeable instructors."
Empowers self-reflection and civic identity articulation.
"The 'story of self' exercises helped me articulate my civic identity. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to understand American civics better."
"This course is brilliant. It makes you think deeply about your role in society and provides the tools to act. The 'story of self' component was powerful."
"An exceptional course for understanding the nuances of American democracy and inspiring civic action. I loved how it pushed me to articulate my values."
"It's not just about learning facts, but about fostering a civic mindset. The 'story of self' and 'from I to We' frameworks are powerful."
Offers a deep, insightful understanding of US democracy.
"This course was truly transformative. The content on constitutional democracy was incredibly insightful, especially how it connected to current events."
"A solid introduction to civic engagement. The historical context provided was excellent, and the discussions around rights and responsibilities were thought-provoking."
"Outstanding course! The material is presented clearly, making complex topics like the levers of change accessible."
"I found the philosophical discussions quite engaging. Overall, a positive learning experience, broadening my perspective on civic duties."
Some assignments lacked clarity on expectations.
"My main critique is that some of the assignments felt a bit vague, and I struggled to understand exactly what was expected."
Some found it theoretical, wishing for more direct action.
"Sometimes the pacing felt a bit uneven, and I wished for more diverse examples of civic action."
"While the subject matter is important, I found the course to be quite theoretical and less actionable than I hoped."
"I was looking for more concrete strategies for civic participation."
"I craved more direct instruction on specific civic actions rather than just philosophical grounding. It's solid, but not groundbreaking."
Challenging for beginners, uneven pacing for some.
"I was disappointed... As a beginner, I found some concepts rushed, and it didn't provide enough basic context."
"I think it assumes too much prior knowledge; it felt more like a civics refresher for someone who already knows a lot."
"It's particularly good for those who want to deepen their understanding, perhaps less so for complete newcomers looking for an intro."
"I felt it was a bit slow-paced in some modules and then rushed in others."
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 We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy with these
activities:
Review constitutional theory
Show steps
Build a foundational understanding of the concepts surrounding constitutional theory to equip yourself for the course
Show steps
-
Read the textbook chapters on constitutional theory
-
Review notes and materials from previous courses on related topics
-
Attend a lecture or workshop on constitutional theory
Explore online resources on civic engagement
Show steps
Broaden your understanding of civic engagement and related topics through online resources
Browse courses on
Civic Engagement
Show steps
-
Visit websites of organizations dedicated to civic engagement
-
Read articles and blog posts on civic participation
-
Watch videos and documentaries on civic movements
-
Follow social media accounts that promote civic engagement
-
Engage in online discussions and forums on civic topics
Attend a guest lecture or workshop on civic engagement
Show steps
Gain exposure to expert perspectives and practical insights on civic engagement
Browse courses on
Civic Engagement
Show steps
-
Research upcoming guest lectures or workshops on civic engagement
-
Attend the event and take notes
-
Reflect on the key takeaways from the event
12 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 15 activities
Create a Digital Collection of Course Resources
Show steps
Organize and categorize digital materials such as lecture notes, readings, and assignments for easy access
Browse courses on
Course Management
Show steps
-
Download and save course materials
-
Categorize and label materials using a logical system
Participate in Online Civic Engagement Webinars
Show steps
Attend virtual sessions led by experts to enhance your understanding of civic engagement
Show steps
-
Identify and register for relevant webinars
-
Attend and actively participate in the webinars
Attend a Local Community Dialogue
Show steps
Engage with your community at a local dialogue to discuss and contribute to local decision-making
Browse courses on
Community Building
Show steps
-
Identify upcoming community dialogues
-
Attend and actively participate in the dialogue
Engage in Constitutional Comprehension Exercises
Show steps
Participate in exercises designed to enhance your understanding of constitutional principles and concepts
Show steps
-
Review key constitutional documents
-
Analyze case studies related to constitutional issues
-
Complete practice questions on constitutional law and history
Participate in Online Discussion Forums
Show steps
Engage in discussions with fellow students to share perspectives, clarify concepts, and deepen understanding
Browse courses on
Collaborative Learning
Show steps
-
Join the course discussion forum
-
Read and respond thoughtfully to discussion prompts
Develop a Civic Engagement Plan
Show steps
Create a personalized plan outlining how you will actively engage with your community and government
Browse courses on
Civic Engagement
Show steps
-
Identify areas of interest and concern
-
Research different civic organizations and opportunities
-
Set specific goals and timelines for your engagement
Write a self-reflection essay
Show steps
Engage in self-reflection and articulation of your values to enhance your understanding of your civic role
Browse courses on
Civic Engagement
Show steps
-
Identify the core values and principles that guide your actions
-
Reflect on your past experiences and identify how they have shaped your civic beliefs
-
Write a personal essay that explores your civic identity and aspirations
Create a Mind Map
Show steps
Summarize and reinforce your understanding of the key concepts and principles of constitutional democracy by creating a visual representation of the relationships between them.
Show steps
-
Identify the main concepts and principles
-
Brainstorm connections and relationships between concepts
-
Create a visual representation of the mind map
Explore 'The Federalist Papers'
Show steps
Gain invaluable insights into the debates surrounding the formation of the U.S. Constitution
View
Foundations of Freedom: Common Sense, the...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read selected essays from 'The Federalist Papers'
-
Analyze the arguments for and against ratification
Participate in a class discussion forum
Show steps
Engage with classmates to share perspectives, learn from diverse experiences, and deepen your understanding of course concepts
Browse courses on
Civic Engagement
Show steps
-
Read the assigned discussion prompts and materials
-
Post your thoughts and insights on the discussion board
-
Respond to the posts of your classmates
Design a Civic Engagement Project
Show steps
Develop a proposal for a civic engagement project that addresses a specific issue or need in your community
Browse courses on
Social Impact
Show steps
-
Identify a local issue or challenge
-
Research potential solutions and strategies
-
Draft a project plan outlining goals, activities, and evaluation methods
Develop a civic action plan
Show steps
Practice applying the principles of civic engagement by creating a plan to address a community issue
Browse courses on
Civic Engagement
Show steps
-
Identify a specific issue or problem that you are passionate about
-
Research the issue and potential solutions
-
Develop a plan of action that outlines your goals, strategies, and timeline
-
Seek feedback and support from others
-
Implement your action plan and track your progress
Review constitutional theory
Show steps
Build a foundational understanding of the concepts surrounding constitutional theory to equip yourself for the course
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the textbook chapters on constitutional theory
- Review notes and materials from previous courses on related topics
- Attend a lecture or workshop on constitutional theory
Explore online resources on civic engagement
Show steps
Broaden your understanding of civic engagement and related topics through online resources
Browse courses on
Civic Engagement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit websites of organizations dedicated to civic engagement
- Read articles and blog posts on civic participation
- Watch videos and documentaries on civic movements
- Follow social media accounts that promote civic engagement
- Engage in online discussions and forums on civic topics
Attend a guest lecture or workshop on civic engagement
Show steps
Gain exposure to expert perspectives and practical insights on civic engagement
Browse courses on
Civic Engagement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research upcoming guest lectures or workshops on civic engagement
- Attend the event and take notes
- Reflect on the key takeaways from the event
12 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 15 activities
Create a Digital Collection of Course Resources
Show steps
Organize and categorize digital materials such as lecture notes, readings, and assignments for easy access
Browse courses on
Course Management
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Download and save course materials
- Categorize and label materials using a logical system
Participate in Online Civic Engagement Webinars
Show steps
Attend virtual sessions led by experts to enhance your understanding of civic engagement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and register for relevant webinars
- Attend and actively participate in the webinars
Attend a Local Community Dialogue
Show steps
Engage with your community at a local dialogue to discuss and contribute to local decision-making
Browse courses on
Community Building
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify upcoming community dialogues
- Attend and actively participate in the dialogue
Engage in Constitutional Comprehension Exercises
Show steps
Participate in exercises designed to enhance your understanding of constitutional principles and concepts
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review key constitutional documents
- Analyze case studies related to constitutional issues
- Complete practice questions on constitutional law and history
Participate in Online Discussion Forums
Show steps
Engage in discussions with fellow students to share perspectives, clarify concepts, and deepen understanding
Browse courses on
Collaborative Learning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join the course discussion forum
- Read and respond thoughtfully to discussion prompts
Develop a Civic Engagement Plan
Show steps
Create a personalized plan outlining how you will actively engage with your community and government
Browse courses on
Civic Engagement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify areas of interest and concern
- Research different civic organizations and opportunities
- Set specific goals and timelines for your engagement
Write a self-reflection essay
Show steps
Engage in self-reflection and articulation of your values to enhance your understanding of your civic role
Browse courses on
Civic Engagement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the core values and principles that guide your actions
- Reflect on your past experiences and identify how they have shaped your civic beliefs
- Write a personal essay that explores your civic identity and aspirations
Create a Mind Map
Show steps
Summarize and reinforce your understanding of the key concepts and principles of constitutional democracy by creating a visual representation of the relationships between them.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the main concepts and principles
- Brainstorm connections and relationships between concepts
- Create a visual representation of the mind map
Explore 'The Federalist Papers'
Show steps
Gain invaluable insights into the debates surrounding the formation of the U.S. Constitution
View
Foundations of Freedom: Common Sense, the...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read selected essays from 'The Federalist Papers'
- Analyze the arguments for and against ratification
Participate in a class discussion forum
Show steps
Engage with classmates to share perspectives, learn from diverse experiences, and deepen your understanding of course concepts
Browse courses on
Civic Engagement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the assigned discussion prompts and materials
- Post your thoughts and insights on the discussion board
- Respond to the posts of your classmates
Design a Civic Engagement Project
Show steps
Develop a proposal for a civic engagement project that addresses a specific issue or need in your community
Browse courses on
Social Impact
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a local issue or challenge
- Research potential solutions and strategies
- Draft a project plan outlining goals, activities, and evaluation methods
Develop a civic action plan
Show steps
Practice applying the principles of civic engagement by creating a plan to address a community issue
Browse courses on
Civic Engagement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific issue or problem that you are passionate about
- Research the issue and potential solutions
- Develop a plan of action that outlines your goals, strategies, and timeline
- Seek feedback and support from others
- Implement your action plan and track your progress
Career center
Learners who complete We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
This course, We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy, can help prepare you for a career as a political scientist. This career is all about studying the principles, history, and operation of government and political systems. Studying U.S. democracy, rights, and responsibilities can help prepare you for your future career.
Lawyer
Lawyer
We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy can help build a foundation for a career as a lawyer. The legal system is based on a foundation of laws and rights. This course introduces students to the U.S. constitution, rights, responsibilities, and levers of change. This will be useful for building a foundation of legal principles for a future career as a lawyer.
Public Administrator
Public Administrator
We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy may be useful for public administrators. These professionals work in the public sector to manage and implement government policies and programs. This course will help you understand the foundations of the U.S. government, democracy, and the levers of change. This will prepare you to implement policies and work within the U.S. government.
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analyst
If you want to analyze public policy, We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy may be useful. Public policy analysts study public policy issues and make recommendations to help policymakers develop policy. This course will help you understand the foundational principles of the U.S. government, rights, and citizenship. This will help lay the foundation to analyze government policies.
Community Organizer
Community Organizer
We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy can help someone preparing for a career as a community organizer. These professionals work to improve communities by organizing people and resources. This course will help you understand the foundational principles of the U.S. government and democracy. This will enable you to organize and help make your community a better place.
Campaign Manager
Campaign Manager
We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy can help someone pursuing a career as a campaign manager. This role manages political campaigns of candidates for public office. This course will teach you about the history and structure of U.S. democracy, government, and politics. You will be better prepared to help run campaigns and help your candidate get elected.
Government Relations Specialist
Government Relations Specialist
We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy may be useful for a government relations specialist. This role communicates with entities like the government, media, and investors on behalf of their company. This course will explain the foundations of the U.S. government, history, and levers of change. This can help you understand how to best communicate about government and political issues.
Journalist
Journalist
We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy can help prepare someone for a career as a journalist. Journalists investigate and report on events and issues that affect the public. This course will help you understand the foundations of U.S. democracy and how government operates. This will help lay a foundation for researching and reporting on issues related to government and politics.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
If you want to run a nonprofit, We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy can help. It covers the foundations of U.S. democracy and government. This course will teach you about rights and responsibilities as well as levers of change for the government. This will help you in your management of a nonprofit dedicated to a cause.
Social Worker
Social Worker
We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy can help prepare for a career in social work. Social workers provide guidance and support to people with a range of needs. This includes helping people navigate government systems. This course will provide a foundation for understanding U.S. democracy, rights, and government. This will help you build the background to understand how to help people navigate these systems.
Urban Planner
Urban Planner
We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy may be useful for urban planners. These professionals develop plans for the use of land. This includes working with local governments. This course teaches the foundations of U.S. democracy, rights, and levers of change. It will explain the role of government and how your plans can shape the community in accordance with law.
Teacher
Teacher
This course, We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy, can help prepare someone for a career as a teacher. Teachers guide students through the learning process. This course can help you understand the foundations of the U.S. government. This will give you a useful perspective to help teach your students.
Communications Director
Communications Director
The course We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy may help future communications directors. These professionals manage the public communications for an organization to maintain their image. This course will help build your understanding of the foundations of U.S. democracy, government, and citizenship. This will enable you to build messaging that resonates.
Historian
Historian
If you want to be a Historian, the course We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy may be useful. Historians study the history of societies and people. This course will teach you about the history and development of U.S. democracy and government. This can help you prepare for graduate school in history, where you can study particular aspects of history more deeply.
Legislator
Legislator
If you want to go into politics, We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy may be useful. Politics is based on laws and lawmakers. This course teaches the foundations of U.S. law and the history of U.S. democracy. This can put you one step closer to a career in public service.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/o1hnb7/we
Reading list
We've selected 14 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
We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy.
The Federalist Papers are a collection of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay in support of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. They are essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the principles of American constitutional democracy.
Save
Democracy in America classic work of political science that provides a unique perspective on American democracy. Tocqueville's insights into the American character and the nature of democracy are still relevant today.
The American Political Tradition magisterial work that traces the development of American political thought from the colonial era to the present day. Hofstadter's insights into the American mind and the American political system are essential reading for anyone who wants to understand American democracy.
Constitutionalism: Ancient and Modern comprehensive overview of the history of constitutionalism from its ancient origins to the present day. Dunn's insights into the nature of constitutionalism and the role of constitutions in a democratic society are essential reading for anyone who wants to understand American constitutional democracy.
Rights classic work of legal philosophy that explores the nature of rights and their role in a democratic society. Raz's insights into the nature of rights and the relationship between rights and democracy are essential reading for anyone who wants to understand American constitutional democracy.
The Nature of Political Obligation classic work of political philosophy that explores the nature of political obligation and the relationship between citizens and the state. Gauthier's insights into the nature of political obligation and the role of consent in a democratic society are essential reading for anyone who wants to understand American constitutional democracy.
Save
Why Liberalism Failed controversial book that argues that liberalism has failed to deliver on its promises of freedom and equality. Deneen's critique of liberalism is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing American democracy today.
The People's Republic of Walmart book that explores the impact of Walmart on American society. Phillips argues that Walmart's low prices and convenience have come at a cost to workers and communities.
The Color of Law book that explores the history of racial segregation in the United States. Rothstein argues that government policies have played a major role in creating and maintaining racial segregation.
The New Jim Crow book that explores the ways in which the criminal justice system has become a new form of racial segregation in the United States.
Democracy in Chains book that explores the ways in which the Koch brothers have used their wealth to influence American politics.
The Hidden History of American Oligarchy book that explores the history of oligarchy in the United States.
The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium book that explores the ways in which the public has become more skeptical of authority.
The Future of Democracy book that explores the challenges facing democracy in the 21st century.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/o1hnb7/we
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Rating
5.0
Effort
1 to 3 hours per week for 7 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Harvard University
Instructor
Danielle Allen
Language
English
Transcript
English
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser