Brief Introduction
Learn how early American politics informed the U.S. Constitution and why its promise of liberty and equality has yet to be fully realized.Course Summary
Explore the foundations of American government and its constitutional principles in this Harvard online course. Gain a deeper understanding of the US political system and the Constitution that guides it.Key Learning Points
- Learn about the origins and evolution of American government
- Understand the principles and structure of the US Constitution
- Examine the role of key institutions in American politics
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the US political system and the principles that guide it
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills in the study of American government
- Apply knowledge of American government and the Constitution to real-world issues and debates
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Basic understanding of American history
- Interest in political science and government
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
Similar Courses
- Introduction to Political Science
- International Law
- Justice
Related Education Paths
Notable People in This Field
- Larry Sabato
- Ezra Klein
- Nate Silver
Related Books
Description
Course description
“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.
Knowledge
- What you'll learn
- 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
Outline
- Political Culture
- Limited Government
- Representative Government
- Federalism
- Civil Liberties
- Civil Rights
Summary of User Reviews
The American Government: Constitutional Foundations course offered by Harvard University has received positive reviews from users. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the American political system and its constitutional foundations. Many users have praised the course's in-depth analysis of the US Constitution, which has helped them gain a better understanding of American politics.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
in-depth analysis of the US ConstitutionPros from User Reviews
- Comprehensive understanding of the American political system
- Expert instructors from Harvard University
- Flexible online learning format
- Engaging course content
- Access to a global community of learners
Cons from User Reviews
- Heavy workload and rigorous coursework
- Expensive tuition fees
- Limited interaction with instructors
- May not be suitable for beginners
- Requires self-motivation and discipline
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