We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Thomas E. Patterson
“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?
Read more
“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?
Read more
“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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/o7kor9/american
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
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
Foundational look at us constitution
According to learners, this course provides a strong and accessible foundation in American government and its constitutional underpinnings. Students particularly highlight the engaging lectures and the insightful analysis of key Supreme Court cases, which help clarify complex topics. While some find the readings can be dense, the overall consensus points to a well-structured and informative learning experience suitable for those seeking a deeper understanding of U.S. civics.
Provides a strong basis in US government basics.
"This course gave me a solid foundation in American government and the Constitution that I previously lacked."
"Excellent overview of the constitutional foundations of the US government. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to understand the basics."
"I feel like I have a much better understanding of the structure and history of American government after taking this."
"Great course for building foundational knowledge in US civics."
Supreme Court cases clarify constitutional concepts.
"Using Supreme Court cases to illustrate concepts was incredibly helpful and provided real-world context."
"The discussions around significant court cases are very insightful and help solidify understanding of the amendments and laws."
"I particularly appreciated the deep dives into specific Supreme Court rulings; it made the abstract ideas concrete."
"Examining the court cases was a great way to see how the Constitution has evolved and is interpreted."
Instructor delivers clear and engaging lectures.
"The lecturer is very clear and engaging. He presents complex material in a way that is easy to understand and interesting."
"Professor's lectures are engaging and make the complex subject matter accessible."
"I really enjoyed the lectures; they were well-structured and held my attention throughout the course."
"The professor is excellent, his lectures are well-organized and very informative."
Assigned readings can be dense or lengthy.
"The supplementary readings were sometimes quite dense and required extra effort to get through compared to the lectures."
"Some of the readings were a bit dry or overly academic, contrasting with the more engaging lecture style."
"I found the amount and difficulty of the readings occasionally overwhelming, though the lectures helped clarify."
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'
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of the American political culture and its influence on politics and policies by reading a seminal work on the subject.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of Constitutional Law by exploring reputable online resources and tutorials.
Browse courses on
Constitutional Law
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Sharpen your ability to identify and analyze legal issues within the framework of the Constitution.
Browse courses on
Constitutional Law
Show steps
-
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Attend a Civil Liberties Workshop
Show steps
Participate in a workshop that delves into the nuances of civil liberties and their historical and contemporary implications.
Browse courses on
Civil Liberties
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive understanding of federalism by researching, analyzing, and composing an essay on its historical evolution and contemporary significance.
Browse courses on
Federalism
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Put your knowledge of the Constitution and legal processes to the test by participating in a mock trial competition.
Browse courses on
Constitutional Law
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Engage with the bleeding edge of political science research by contributing to open-source projects that advance the field.
Browse courses on
Political Science
Show steps
-
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
Read 'The American Political Tradition'
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of the American political culture and its influence on politics and policies by reading a seminal work on the subject.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of Constitutional Law by exploring reputable online resources and tutorials.
Browse courses on
Constitutional Law
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Sharpen your ability to identify and analyze legal issues within the framework of the Constitution.
Browse courses on
Constitutional Law
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Attend a Civil Liberties Workshop
Show steps
Participate in a workshop that delves into the nuances of civil liberties and their historical and contemporary implications.
Browse courses on
Civil Liberties
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive understanding of federalism by researching, analyzing, and composing an essay on its historical evolution and contemporary significance.
Browse courses on
Federalism
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Put your knowledge of the Constitution and legal processes to the test by participating in a mock trial competition.
Browse courses on
Constitutional Law
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Engage with the bleeding edge of political science research by contributing to open-source projects that advance the field.
Browse courses on
Political Science
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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 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.
Public Administrator
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.
Professor
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.
Government Relations Specialist
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.
Lawyer
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.
Policy Analyst
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.
Museum curator
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.
Nonprofit Manager
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.
Historian
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.
Archivist
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.
Community Organizer
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.
Journalist
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.
Librarian
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.
Social Worker
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.
Political Consultant
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/o7kor9/american
Featured in The Course Notes
This course is mentioned in our blog,
The Course Notes. Read
one article that features
American Government: Constitutional Foundations:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
Reading list
We've selected 13 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
American Government: Constitutional Foundations.
Save
A comprehensive treatise on constitutional law, providing a detailed examination of the Constitution and its interpretation by the Supreme Court.
Save
A leading textbook on constitutional law, offering a thorough analysis of Supreme Court decisions and their impact on American law and society.
A classic analysis of American political culture, society, and government, offering insights into the foundations of American democracy.
Provides a clear and accessible guide to the Constitution and its interpretation, suitable for both general readers and students.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, including its history, interpretation, and impact on civil rights.
Save
Examines the history, provisions, and impact of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark piece of legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Provides a historical overview of the development of American political thought and the ideas that have shaped the nation's political culture.
Save
A balanced examination of the arguments for and against affirmative action, providing a critical analysis of its history and impact on American society.
Save
Provides a historical overview of the New Deal programs and agencies established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which had a significant impact on the role of the federal government in American society.
Offers a broad overview of American history, providing context for the development of the nation's political system and institutions.
Save
Offers a contemporary interpretation of the Constitution, focusing on its flexibility and adaptability in the face of changing social and political circumstances.
Save
Examines the ethical challenges facing those in government and offers practical guidance on maintaining ethical conduct in public service.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the Kalman filter, a powerful tool for estimating the state of a system based on noisy observations.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/o7kor9/american
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Rating
4.5
Effort
2 to 4 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Harvard University
Instructor
Thomas E. Patterson
Language
English
Transcript
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
U.S. Government. It's comprised of four courses:
- Citizen Politics in America: Public Opinion, Elections, Interest Groups, and the Media
- American Government: Constitutional Foundations (viewing)
- U.S. Public Policy: Social, Economic, and Foreign Policies
- U.S. Political Institutions: Congress, Presidency, Courts, and Bureaucracy
Featured in The Course Notes
Read
one article that features
this course,
American Government: Constitutional Foundations
from our blog, The Course Notes:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
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