Course Description

The Constitution

FEE has partnered with Strata Academic Programs to bring you The Constitution. The course will help you understand Constitution of the United States of America and the ideas contained within it. You'll learn about the failures of the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Convention, the Great Compromise and the Federalist Papers. You'll also begin to understand the why of the structure of the United States Government by reading about topics such as checks and balances and federalism.

This course is a two hour, self-paced learning experience with a focus on the history of American thought during the era of American history directly following the American Revolution. It uses primary documents so that you can understand the ideas of the Framers of the Constitution as they did themselves in order to ascertain why they created the government that they did. The workshop also uses entertaining videos to explain the history surrounding this pivotal stage in American history. This online course works wonderfully as a stand alone educational experience for those who want to learn on their own and as a resource for social studies teachers.


FEE Courses

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome to The Constitution

    • Overview

    • Content

  • 2

    Lesson One: America Before the Constitution

    • The Articles of Confederation

    • The Articles of Confederation in One Minute

    • The Failure of the Articles and The Constitutional Convention

  • 3

    Lesson Two: The Constitution

    • The Finished Draft

    • The Constitution

    • The Picture of Silver

    • Fragment on the Constitution and Union

    • Reflection Questions

  • 4

    Lesson Three: The Debate Over Representation

    • The Great Compromise

    • The Virginia Resolutions

    • The New Jersey Proposals

    • Reflection Questions

  • 5

    Lesson Four: The Federalist Papers

    • The Fight for Ratification

    • Federalist 10

    • Federalist 45

    • Federalist 51

    • Reflection Questions

  • 6

    Lesson Five: The Grand Experiment

    • The Constitution and Self-Governance

    • Is Self-Government Possible?

    • Course Summary

    • Additional Readings and Materials