MicrosoftWe the People Open Course
Length: 6 weeks (suggested)
Effort: 6 to 8 hours per week
Price: Free
Level: Introductory
Language: English
This course takes you from the philosophical foundations of the U.S. Constitution through the modern interpretation and application of its ideals. You will find videos of noted scholars explaining key aspects of the Constitution and online exercises to check for understanding. The course follows the We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution Level 3 textbook, which has been used throughout the country to further understanding of our government and its fundamental principles.
This is a free, self-paced course. It contains six units of instruction with multiple lessons in each unit. You can complete the course at your own pace and in your own time.
What You Will Learn
- The philosophical and historical foundations of the American political system
- The creation of the U.S. Constitution
- The Bill of Rights and other amendments to the Constitution
- The role of federalism and the branches of government
- The rights protected by the Bill of Rights
- Challenges facing American constitutional democracy in the twenty-first century
Strengthening Democracy in America Series
Length: 1 week per course
Effort: 6 hours per course
Price: Free
Level: Introductory
Language: English
Strengthening Democracy in America is a collection of free courses featuring video interviews with noted scholars. These courses will deepen your understanding of the American political system and your rights and responsibilities in it. The first two
courses provide a framework for understanding the history and development of the system. Subsequent courses focus on its strengths and weaknesses and means of enhancing the strengths and diminishing the weaknesses. The courses are open to anyone
and can be completed at your own pace.
The U.S. Constitution: Its Foundations, Transformation, and Challenges
Length: 4 weeks (suggested)
Effort: 6 to 8 hours per week
Price: Free
Level: Introductory
Language: English
This course explores events that led to the transformation of the U.S. Constitution and our system of government from its foundation to what it is today. It is perfect for educators and lifelong learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of American constitutional democracy.
This course is entirely self-paced, so you can complete it on your schedule. You can take the entire course or select the sessions that interest you. The course features scholars recorded during the 2021 Presidential Academy for American History and Civics, sponsored by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.