Teacher: David Barham
(Read more about his biography here)
Dates for 4 week course:
January 19 to February 13, 2026
Times for Live Sessions: Monday through Thursday, Starting at 9:15am MT (which is 11:15am ET and 8:15am PT). Each live session lasts between 50 and 70 minutes.
Course Description
This course introduces students to the foundations of American government through an in-depth study of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Students will explore the historical context that led to the drafting of the Constitution, examine the debates and compromises of the Constitutional Convention, and analyze the structure and principles of the nation’s founding document.
In light of our current political climate, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights remain central to debates about the balance of government power and individual freedoms. The Bill of Rights, as the first ten amendments, guarantees essential civil liberties-such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, the right to assemble, and protections for those accused of crimes, and sets clear limits on government authority. These rights are frequently at the heart of national conversations about protest, free expression, gun ownership, and due process, reflecting ongoing tensions and interpretations as society and politics evolve. The Constitution’s amendment process also allows Americans to adapt these foundational rights to new challenges, ensuring their relevance in a changing nation.
Together we will explore:
- The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and why a new constitution was needed.
- The major compromises and debates among the Founding Fathers during the Constitutional Convention.
- The structure and functions of the three branches of government: Legislative (Article I), Executive (Article II), and Judicial (Article III).
- The Preamble and the guiding principles of the Constitution, such as federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances.
- The Bill of Rights: students will closely read and interpret the first ten amendments, understand their historical origins, and discuss how these rights apply to modern life.
- The amendment process and how the Constitution has changed over time.
- Landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped the interpretation of constitutional rights
Through primary source analysis, group projects, and simulations (such as mock Supreme Court cases), students will develop critical thinking and civic engagement skills. By the end of the course, students will understand how the Constitution and Bill of Rights continue to impact American society and their own lives as citizens.
With this in-depth knowledge of the Constitution as well as the tools of engaged citizenship, students will be ready to fully engage in our democracy.
