Constitutional Law: The Structure of Government
Founded federal system, divides power across branches, protects rights, evolves through amendments and court interpretations.
Founded federal system, divides power across branches, protects rights, evolves through amendments and court interpretations.
This course examines the construction and interpretation of the U.S. Constitution throughout history. It covers the Constitution's origins, key precedent-setting cases, and how interpretations have evolved with cultural and political shifts. The curriculum focuses on how the Constitution established the powers of federal, legislative, and judicial branches, and allocated powers to states. Topics include the rationale behind the Constitution, judicial review, federal legislative and executive powers, and federalism. Through lectures and case studies, students will gain a deep understanding of constitutional principles and their practical applications in governance.
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What you'll learn
Describe how the U.S. government structure has been shaped by the Constitution and its interpretation
Illustrate constitutional compromises using examples and historical background
Articulate the importance of key cases like Marbury v. Madison and McCullough v. Maryland
Explain how case outcomes depend on cultural, political climate, and court composition
Assess various approaches to constitutional interpretation and analysis
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
5.8 Hours PreRecorded video
5 assignments
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There are 7 modules in this course
This course provides a comprehensive overview of U.S. Constitutional Law, focusing on the structure of government. It is divided into seven modules, each exploring crucial aspects of the Constitution and its interpretation. The course begins with an introduction to the Constitution's purpose and functions, followed by an in-depth look at the federal judicial power, including the landmark case Marbury v. Madison. Subsequent modules cover federal legislative and executive powers, examining key cases and concepts that have shaped these branches' authorities. The course also delves into federalism, exploring the balance of power between federal and state governments. Throughout the curriculum, students will analyze important Supreme Court decisions, consider various approaches to constitutional interpretation, and examine how cultural and political factors influence constitutional law. The course combines video lectures, readings, quizzes, and peer-reviewed assignments to provide a well-rounded understanding of this foundational aspect of American governance.
Welcome - Let's Get Started
Module 1 · 45 Minutes to complete
Lecture 1 - Why the Constitution?
Module 2 · 2 Hours to complete
Lecture 2 - The Federal Judicial Power
Module 3 · 3 Hours to complete
Lecture 3 - The Federal Legislative Power
Module 4 · 2 Hours to complete
Lecture 4 - The Federal Executive Power
Module 5 · 1 Hours to complete
Lecture 5 - Federalism
Module 6 · 2 Hours to complete
Conclusion
Module 7 · 20 Minutes to complete
Fee Structure
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Instructor
Founding Dean and Distinguished Professor of Law at UC Irvine, Expert in Constitutional Law and Civil Liberties
Erwin Chemerinsky is the founding Dean and Distinguished Professor of Law, as well as the Raymond Pryke Professor of First Amendment Law, at the University of California, Irvine School of Law. He is a recognized expert in constitutional law, civil liberties, and the First Amendment. Chemerinsky has authored several influential books, including Constitutional Law: Principles and Policies and The Case Against the Supreme Court. He earned his law degree from Harvard Law School and has argued significant cases before the United States Supreme Court, such as United States v. Apel (2013), Van Orden v. Perry (2004), and Lockyer v. Andrade (2002).
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4.8 course rating
88 ratings
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