American Government: Constitutional Foundations from edX

“We the People” are the opening words of the U.S. Constitution, yet the original document did not give citizens much say in the election of their officials. Though some of those issues have been addressed, substantial barriers—gerrymandering, voter registration, and voter ID laws—still restrain the power of the vote. Why? How can a country, founded more than 200 years ago on the ideals of liberty, equality, and individualism, still struggle to empower all of its citizens equally?

This course explores the origins of U.S. political culture, how that culture informed the Constitution, and how that framework continues to influence the country’s politics and policies. We will examine the Constitution’s provisions for limited government, the division of power between the federal and state governments, and the forces that have made federalism a source of political conflict and change.

We will address how the Constitution not only established the structure of the U.S. government but guarantees personal freedoms and civil rights. These rights have been challenged and expanded in significant Supreme Court cases, which will help to illustrate how historically disadvantaged groups have struggled to realize the 14th Amendment's promise of equality.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The foundations of the american political culture
How the constitution represented the idea of “limited government”
Why the constitution’s framers felt it necessary to limit popular influence
The history of federalism as a constitutional issue

How power is divided between the federal and state governments
What individual rights are held by today’s americans
Which policies have expanded the rights of disadvantaged groups

The foundations of the american political culture
How the constitution represented the idea of “limited government”
Why the constitution’s framers felt it necessary to limit popular influence
The history of federalism as a constitutional issue
How power is divided between the federal and state governments
What individual rights are held by today’s americans
Which policies have expanded the rights of disadvantaged groups

Syllabus

Week 1: Political CultureThis session will explore the origins of the nation’s political culture, its embrace by each succeeding generation of Americans, and its continuing influence on the nation’s politics and policies. U.S. welfare and education policy will be used to illustrate that influence. The session also highlights the nature of politics—the process through which society settles its conflicts over scarce resources and conflicting values.

Week 2:Limited GovernmentThis session will examine the Constitution’s provisions for limited government and then explore the extent to which these provisions have curbed constitutional abuses of power. The main points of the session will be reinforced by examining a set of cases, including the Watergate scandal, the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and the Bush Administration’s handling of enemy detainees after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Week 3:Representative GovernmentThis session will explore the reasons that the framers felt it necessary to limit popular influence, will describe how and why the original system changed, and will look at contemporary barriers—gerrymandering, voter registration, and voter ID laws—that inhibit voting.

Week 4: FederalismThe session will explain the division of power between the federal and state governments and also explain how broadly worded constitutional clauses, partisan differences, and changing national needs have combined to make federalism a source of political conflict and change. Among the cases explored in this session is the constitutional dispute provoked by the 2010 healthcare reform act.

Week 5:Civil LibertiesThis session will examine these developments and explain the individual rights held by today’s Americans. Major Supreme Court rulings—such as those relating to free speech and protection from unreasonable search and seizure—will be discussed as a means of clarifying Americans’ civil liberties.

Week 6: Civil RightsThis session will focus on three policies that have been instrumental in expanding the rights and opportunities of disadvantaged groups: the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause, the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and affirmative action. The last of these policies have been particularly contentious and we’ll take a close look at it, including a recent Supreme Court ruling on a case involving the University of Texas at Austin.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops an understanding of the philosophies and real-world challenges that underlie the United States Constitution

Taught by the respected Thomas E. Patterson of Harvard Kennedy School

Examines key Supreme Court cases that have shaped individual rights and civil liberties

Explores the historical development of American political culture and its influence on contemporary politics

Provides a broad overview of the U.S. Constitution and its provisions for limited government, federalism, and individual rights

Suitable for students interested in political science, history, law, or public policy

Reviews summary

Constitutional foundations

Learners say that American Government: Constitutional Foundations is an engaging course that presents insightful perspectives on the US Constitution and its amendments, and how they translate to individual liberties and law creation. One student said, "Professor Patterson's insightful perspective... were well presented." The course is well-received by learners who describe the professor as knowledgeable and engaging, and the content as thorough and thought-provoking. Overall, students say that this course is highly recommended.

Course content is insightful and thought-provoking.

"The Fourteenth Amendment was deeply examined in its influence in laws and cultural application..."

Instructor is knowledgeable and explains concepts thoroughly.

"It was an easy to comprehend explanation of the foundation of the Constitution."

Lectures are insightful and engaging.

"Professor Patterson's insightful perspective... were well presented."

"The lectures correlated well with the reading materials and made the class very engaging."

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 American Government: Constitutional Foundations with these activities:

Read 'The American Political Tradition'

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Reinforce your understanding of the American political culture and its influence on politics and policies by reading a seminal work on the subject.

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Obtain a copy of 'The American Political Tradition'
Read through the book at a steady pace
Take notes on key concepts and arguments
Engage in discussions or write summaries to reflect on your understanding

Explore Constitutional Law Resources

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Deepen your understanding of Constitutional Law by exploring reputable online resources and tutorials.

Browse courses on Constitutional Law

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Identify credible online resources for Constitutional Law
Follow guided tutorials on specific Constitutional Law topics
Take notes or create summaries to enhance retention

Practice Identifying Constitutional Issues

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Sharpen your ability to identify and analyze legal issues within the framework of the Constitution.

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Find practice questions or simulations that present Constitutional issues
Analyze the scenarios and identify relevant Constitutional provisions
Research and apply case law to support your analysis
Compare your findings with expert perspectives or model answers

Four other activities

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Attend a Civil Liberties Workshop

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Participate in a workshop that delves into the nuances of civil liberties and their historical and contemporary implications.

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Research and identify reputable workshops on Civil Liberties
Register and attend the workshop
Actively engage in discussions and exercises
Follow up with research or discussions to deepen your understanding

Write an Essay on Federalism

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Develop a comprehensive understanding of federalism by researching, analyzing, and composing an essay on its historical evolution and contemporary significance.

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Research and gather information on federalism
Analyze different perspectives and theories on federalism
Structure and write an essay that presents your analysis and insights
Proofread and revise your essay for clarity and accuracy

Participate in a Mock Trial Competition

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Put your knowledge of the Constitution and legal processes to the test by participating in a mock trial competition.

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Join or form a team for a mock trial competition
Research and prepare your case based on the provided scenario
Practice your arguments and courtroom strategies
Participate in the mock trial competition and present your case
Reflect on your performance and seek feedback for improvement

Contribute to an Open-Source Project on Political Science

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Engage with the bleeding edge of political science research by contributing to open-source projects that advance the field.

Browse courses on Political Science

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Identify open-source projects in the field of political science
Review the project documentation and identify areas where you can contribute
Collaborate with project maintainers and follow their guidelines
Contribute code, documentation, or other resources to the project
Seek feedback and iterate on your contributions

Career center

Learners who complete American Government: Constitutional Foundations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Political Scientist

Political Scientists study politics and government. They may research political institutions, political behavior, or public policy. They may also teach or write about their research. Courses that teach about the Constitution and the history of federalism may provide context and background knowledge for political science research. This course may be useful to help build a foundation in these areas.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They may also develop and recommend policy solutions. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. Courses that teach about the Constitution and the history of federalism may provide context and background knowledge for policy analysis. This course may be useful to help build a foundation in these areas.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research in colleges and universities. They prepare course materials, deliver lectures, and lead discussions. They also grade papers, conduct research, and publish their findings. Courses that teach about the Constitution and the history of federalism may provide context and background knowledge for teaching political science and related topics. This course may be useful to help build a foundation in these areas.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private matters. Lawyers draw up legal documents, such as wills, trusts, contracts, and pleadings. They may also negotiate settlements or represent clients at trial. Courses that teach about constitutional law and federalism are useful preparation for entering the legal field. This course can help build a foundation in these areas.

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Government Relations Specialist

Government Relations Specialists represent organizations before government agencies and elected officials. They may also lobby for changes in public policy. Courses that teach about the Constitution and the history of federalism may provide context and background knowledge for government relations work. This course may be useful to help build a foundation in these areas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Government Relations Specialist

Public Administrator

Public Administrators manage and oversee government programs and services. They may also develop and implement public policy. Courses that teach about the Constitution and the history of federalism may provide context and background knowledge for public administration. This course may be useful to help build a foundation in these areas.

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Archivist

Archivists collect, preserve, and organize historical documents and other materials. They may also help researchers access and use these materials. Courses that teach about the Constitution and the history of federalism may provide context and background knowledge for archival work. This course may be useful to help build a foundation in these areas.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They may also develop and implement programs and services. Courses that teach about the Constitution and the history of federalism may provide context and background knowledge for nonprofit management. This course may be useful to help build a foundation in these areas.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators oversee the collections of museums and other cultural institutions. They may also develop and manage exhibits, conduct research, and write publications. Courses that teach about the Constitution and the history of federalism may provide context and background knowledge for museum curation. This course may be useful to help build a foundation in these areas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. They may work in museums, archives, libraries, or universities. They may also write books, articles, or other publications about their research. Courses that teach about the Constitution and the history of federalism may provide context and background knowledge for historical research. This course may be useful to help build a foundation in these areas.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and use information. They may work in public libraries, school libraries, or academic libraries. They may also work in special libraries, such as law libraries or medical libraries. Courses that teach about the Constitution and the history of federalism may provide context and background knowledge for library work. This course may be useful to help build a foundation in these areas.

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Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news stories for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other publications. They may also write editorials or commentaries on current events. Courses that teach about the Constitution and the history of federalism may provide context and background knowledge for journalism. This course may be useful to help build a foundation in these areas.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people overcome social and economic problems. They may provide counseling, case management, or other services. Courses that teach about the Constitution and the history of federalism may provide context and background knowledge for social work. This course may be useful to help build a foundation in these areas.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with communities to identify and address their needs. They may help people organize around issues such as housing, education, or healthcare. Courses that teach about the Constitution and the history of federalism may provide context and background knowledge for community organizing. This course may be useful to help build a foundation in these areas.

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Political Consultant

Political Consultants advise political candidates and organizations on strategy, messaging, fundraising, and public relations. Political Consultants may need to draft speeches, talking points, policy papers, and press releases. Knowledge of the Constitution and political rights is very useful, as is knowledge of civil liberties and civil rights. This course may be useful to help build a foundation in these areas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Consultant