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
Introduction to Key Constitutional Concepts and Supreme Court Cases
University of Pennsylvania
About this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
67%
started a new career after completing these courses
45%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
10%
got a pay increase or promotion
Learner Career Outcomes
67%
started a new career after completing these courses
45%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
10%
got a pay increase or promotion
Shareable Certificate
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Beginner Level
Approx. 8 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English, Portuguese (Brazilian)
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1 hour to complete
The 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.
1 hour to complete
6 videos (Total 67 min)
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
1 hour to complete
Amendments 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.
1 hour to complete
6 videos (Total 58 min)
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
1 hour to complete
Criminal 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.
1 hour to complete
6 videos (Total 60 min)
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
2 hours to complete
The 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.
2 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 71 min)
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
Reviews
4.8
TOP REVIEWS FROM INTRODUCTION TO KEY CONSTITUTIONAL CONCEPTS AND SUPREME COURT CASES
by SJJul 21, 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 MRJul 10, 2018
The videos can seem kind of awkward, so I followed along with the transcript at the bottom. Overall, very helpful! I used this course to prepare for a Constitutional Law class that I begin this fall!
by DGDec 10, 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.
by RSSep 24, 2018
Prof. Roosevelt is amazing. I wish there were 4-5 more of these courses on Constitutional law, each with a different emphasis. I feel like I learned a lot about my country by taking this course.
by KAMar 7, 2017
The lectures were great and the quizzes asked tough but fair questions. I am looking forward to using the knowledge I gained to enhance my teaching of government at the high school level.
by TCJun 21, 2017
This is a great overview of Constitutional Law and the history of the US Constitution. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to better inform themselves and their political opinions.
by SVAug 16, 2018
it is one of the interesting course that i have ever came across! if any individual want to learn the basic and fundamentals of american constitution then he must join this course.
by MAAug 31, 2019
The entire course was very thoroughly presented and has been really helpful and informative in enhancing my knowledge about the American legal system. Kudos to UPenn and Coursera!
by PGOct 23, 2019
Chronologically organized lecture which used non legalese terms made the basics or key concepts of the US Constitution, its evolution and modern application easier to understand.
by ASJun 13, 2018
It is very enlightening. I am from Indonesia but I can absorb the material so well. So, it encourages me to learn about American and Constitutional History more. Thank you :)
by IWMay 20, 2017
Wonderfully organized into easy to understand and easy to follow concepts. Finally understood some concepts which had eluded my grasp when my high school teachers covered it.
by KGJul 20, 2016
Clear and comprehensive coverage of the constitution and how it is interpreted. The instructor gives frequent examples for both sides of the issue which aids understanding.
by KSOct 17, 2017
Excellent material, presented in a succinct manner. Well worth attempting, in order to obtain a rudimentary introduction into American Constitutional Jurisprudence.
by RGJun 30, 2017
Great course. Timely given the issues of the time and the misconceptions that young people in particular have in reference to what is and is not constitutional.
by NCJul 1, 2019
I enjoyed the class. It was very informative. I enjoyed watching the lectures. The professor's lectures were well thought out and actually filmed well.
by LRNov 11, 2017
This course gives a good overview of Constitutional topics and covers some recent decisions as well. It is very informative and well worth your time.
by JCOct 4, 2019
The Presenter was excellent. I wanted an overview of the US constitutional concepts and this was so easy to understand. Excellent set of lectures.
by JPMar 4, 2019
Very good intro/overview course. The supplementary materials and resources supplied via the course are a good jumping off point for further study.
by ZMar 24, 2018
Excellent course. Very well taught. A good course for those who are not familiar with the United States Constitution as it explains everything.
by SGApr 24, 2019
I enjoyed this course. The course described and gave details about our Constitution and its contributions to Equal Protection and Human Rights.
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.
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