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American Civics: Government and Law Essentials

Learn the fundamentals of U.S. government structure, legal system, and constitutional history in this concise Harvard Law School course.

Learn the fundamentals of U.S. government structure, legal system, and constitutional history in this concise Harvard Law School course.

This course offers a concise yet sophisticated introduction to American civics, government structure, and legal systems. Designed by Harvard Law School, it covers key aspects of U.S. governance including the written constitution, judicial review, federalism, and separation of powers. The curriculum explores the relationships between federal and state laws, the role of legislatures and administrative agencies, and the evolution of constitutional interpretation. Topics include the distinctions between various types of laws, the legislative process, the modern administrative state, and significant moments in U.S. constitutional history. This course aims to provide a clear understanding of how U.S. governments and laws shape the lives of citizens, residents, and even global populations. It's an essential primer for anyone seeking to grasp the foundations of American legal and political systems.

Instructors:

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American Civics: Government and Law Essentials

This course includes

1 Week

Of Self-paced video lessons

Beginner Level

Completion Certificate

awarded on course completion

Free

What you'll learn

  • Understand the structure and functions of the U.S. government branches

  • Identify and differentiate major sources of U.S. law

  • Explain the concept and importance of federalism in the U.S. legal system

  • Describe the role of administrative agencies in modern U.S. governance

  • Recognize the significance of the U.S. Constitution in the legal and political system

  • Explain the process of how a bill becomes a law

Skills you'll gain

Judicial Review
Administrative Agencies
Constitutional Law
Federalism
Separation of Powers
Legislative Process
Legal Systems
Government Structure
U.S. History
Civic Education

This course includes:

PreRecorded video

Graded assignments, exams

Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop

Limited Access access

Shareable certificate

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There are 7 modules in this course

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the American system of government and law. It covers the fundamental design of the U.S. government, including the roles of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches. Students will learn about the major sources of U.S. law, including constitutions, statutes, regulations, and court decisions. The course explores the concept of federalism, distinguishing between federal and state law. It also delves into the modern administrative state, explaining the role of administrative agencies in contemporary governance. A significant portion of the curriculum is dedicated to the U.S. Constitution, its centrality in the American legal and political system, and key moments in constitutional history. The course is structured into modules covering various aspects of law and governance, from the basic definition of law to the intricacies of the legislative process and separation of powers.

Kinds of Law

Module 1

What is Law?

Module 2

Federal vs. State Law and Order of Authorities

Module 3

How a Bill Becomes a Law

Module 4

Introduction to the Separation of Powers

Module 5

An Historical Overview of the Constitution

Module 6

Law and History

Module 7

Fee Structure

Instructors

Distinguished Legal Scholar and Harvard Law Professor

Charles Fried (1935-2024) was a preeminent legal scholar and the Beneficial Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, where he taught for over six decades from 1961 to 2023. His expertise spanned civil rights, contract law, constitutional law, and U.S. Supreme Court matters. Fried's illustrious career included serving as the U.S. Solicitor General (1985-1989), arguing 25 cases before the Supreme Court, and as an Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (1995-1999). He authored influential books such as "Contract as Promise" and "Modern Liberty and the Limits of Government," along with numerous scholarly articles. Fried's teaching encompassed a wide range of subjects, including Contracts, Constitutional Law, and Appellate Advocacy. He was known for his innovative approach to legal education, developing the successful online course ContractsX in 2015. Fried's intellectual leadership, integrity, and thoughtful approach to legal and policy issues influenced generations of Harvard Law students and left an indelible mark on the field of law. At the time of his passing in January 2024, he was working on a book titled "Why I Changed My Mind," reflecting his ongoing intellectual engagement throughout his distinguished career.

Leading Authority in Bioethics and Health Law

Professor I. Glenn Cohen serves as Deputy Dean and James A. Attwood and Leslie Williams Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, where he has established himself as one of the world's foremost experts on bioethics and health law. His meteoric rise in academia saw him become Harvard Law School's youngest professor when appointed in 2008 at age 29, and its youngest tenured full professor in 2013 at age 34. As founding director of the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Harvard, he has shaped discourse on crucial issues including reproductive technology, medical tourism, FDA regulation, organ transplantation, and the intersection of artificial intelligence with healthcare. His prolific scholarship includes over 200 articles and multiple books published by leading academic presses, while his expertise has been sought by organizations including the National Academy of Sciences and WHO. His work regularly appears in major media outlets including the New York Times, NPR, and CNN, and he has advised governments worldwide on bioethics policy. Beyond his academic contributions, he serves as faculty director of Harvard's Project on Precision Medicine, Artificial Intelligence, and the Law (PMAIL) and co-leads its Project on Advanced Care and Health Policy, continuing to influence the evolving landscape of healthcare law and ethics.

American Civics: Government and Law Essentials

This course includes

1 Week

Of Self-paced video lessons

Beginner Level

Completion Certificate

awarded on course completion

Free

Testimonials

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Frequently asked questions

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this course. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand the course content, structure, and any other relevant information. If you have any additional questions or if your question is not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for further assistance.