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.
Introduction to Key Constitutional Concepts and Supreme Court Cases
Offered By
University of Pennsylvania
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
1The 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.
6 videos (Total 67 min), 1 quiz
6 videos
Class 2: Creating the Constitution11m
Class 3: Interpreting the Constitution10m
Class 4: Article I: Legislative Branch11m
Class 5: Article II: Executive Branch11m
Class 6: Article III: Judicial Branch8m
1 practice exercise
Quiz on the Constitution and three branches of government20m
Week
2Amendments and the First Amendment
This segment first explores constitutional amendments, including the Bill of Rights, and the Reconstruction and Progressive-era Amendments. Then, we will take a detailed look at one of the most important amendments: the First. We will learn about the constitutional protections for speech and religion, how they have changed over time, and how they apply to various circumstances. Finally, we will learn about the Establishment Clause and what it means in today's society.
6 videos (Total 58 min), 1 quiz
6 videos
Class 8: The Reconstruction Amendments9m
Class 9: The Progressive Amendments9m
Class 10: Freedom of Speech11m
Class 11: Free Exercise of Religion Clause8m
Class 12: Establishment Clause9m
1 practice exercise
Quiz on the amendments and First Amendment20m
Week
3Criminal Procedure and Federalism and Nationalism
We begin here by looking at another group of very important constitutional provisions: the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments, which guarantee rights to individuals accused of committing crimes. These amendments protect us against unreasonable searches, ensure our right to remain silent in the face of police questioning, and allow us to demand the assistance of counsel and trial by jury. These rights are fundamental to our system of criminal justice.
Then we will shift our focus to examining the Second Amendment, the right to bear arms, and incorporation. We will also discuss the Ninth and Tenth Amendments, unenumerated rights, and states' rights, and finish by considering the implications of the Civil War and Reconstruction for the balance of power between the federal government and the states.
6 videos (Total 60 min), 1 quiz
6 videos
Class 14: The Fifth Amendment - The Right to Remain Silent8m
Class 15: The Sixth Amendment - The Right to Counsel/Trial by Jury10m
Class 16: The Second Amendment11m
Class 17: The Ninth and Tenth Amendments10m
Class 18: The Civil War and Reconstruction11m
1 practice exercise
Quiz on criminal procedure and federalism and nationalism20m
Week
4The Fourteenth Amendment and Modern Controversies
The first three lessons consider the equal protection and due process clauses of the 14th Amendment. We will begin by discussing race discrimination and the anti-classification and anti-subordination perspectives on equal protection. Next, we will discuss sex discrimination and the right to an abortion derived from the due process clause. Finally, we will examine discrimination based on sexual orientation, and the social progression of major civil rights movements in the United States. The final three lessons in this module consider some modern constitutional controversies. First, we will learn about presidential war powers. Next, we will analyze free speech in the context of campaign finance reform. Finally, we will discuss federal legislative power with a focus on health care reform.
6 videos (Total 71 min), 1 quiz
6 videos
Class 20: Women’s Equality and Abortion10m
Class 21: Sexual Orientation10m
Class 22: War Powers15m
Class 23: Campaign Finance9m
Class 24: Health Care Reform12m
1 practice exercise
Quiz on the Fourteenth Amendment and modern controversies20m
4.9
99 Reviews57%
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Top Reviews
By SJ•Jul 22nd 2017
Professor does a great job and in explaining the complexities. He does not take any partisan stand and does a great job and giving prominence to all sides of the argument. Enjoyed the course throughly
By DG•Dec 11th 2016
This is a great introductory or refresher course. Everything is put forth in an easy-to-understand concept. It was beneficial to me to compare key cases and how society affected them. Thank you.
Instructor
Professor Kermit Roosevelt, III
ProfessorLaw
About University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania (commonly referred to as Penn) is a private university, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. A member of the Ivy League, Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, and considers itself to be the first university in the United States with both undergraduate and graduate studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
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