• Introduction

    The U.S. Constitution: Its Foundations, Transformation, and Challenges 

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    This course will explore the 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 own schedule. It is divided into four topics, each of which features a notable scholar. You can take the entire course or select the sessions that interest you. The course features scholar lectures recorded during the 2021 Presidential Academy for American History and Civics, sponsored by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.  

    The Center for Civic Education's textbook, We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution, is referenced throughout the course. You do not have to have the book to participate fully in the online course, but it can enrich your experience if you have it available. 

    You are now ready to take this course! Choose where you would like to start and jump right in. You can check out our index, which is organized by topic, and choose something you are interested in.

    If you have any questions, visit the Help section of the site found at the bottom of each page, or email us at web@civiced.org.