The US Constitution Through History

By: Eric Berger, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Eric Berger

When a group of former colonial rebels met at the Constitutional Convention, they knew they wanted to fix their broken government without recreating the English tyranny that had haunted them for decades. But were they prepared to create a brand-new system of government, the likes of which the world had never seen?

The ideas on which the United States is founded are rich and diverse—and sometimes in tension with one another. Since our early history, Americans have sought to clarify those ideas and resolve those tensions through the Constitution, as well as the intricate body of law, traditions, and norms that have come to comprise our constitutional heritage.

The history of the Constitution is therefore a history of ideas that define our country and our national identity—and it’s a fascinating and revealing story.

The US Constitution Through History gives you the opportunity to explore the story of this powerful document, as well as the way our interpretation of it has evolved. In 24 riveting lectures, Professor Eric Berger of the University of Nebraska takes you on a journey through America’s constitutional history. He takes you inside the minds of the Framers and unpacks the ideas that led to the break from England. He then traces the evolution of those ideas through the schisms of the 19th century, the transformations of the 20th century, to our present era. To understand the United States today, we must understand how it has shaped and been shaped by this founding document that Americans have so long revered.

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One of the best Great Courses!

Really enjoyed this and learned a great deal. The last couple of lectures were quite topical, and may make you feel a bit less anxious about the Supreme Court ruining the country .
This was fine to listen to without video.

The Use of the Constitution Throughout History

The author made understanding the constitution a lot easier with a variety of examples throughout history where the Constitution was referred to.

Excellent Course very comprehensive interesting and informative lectures

I Liked every part of this course all of the lectures were well thought out comprehensive and interesting. I learned a lot about how and why the Constitution was amended and the required process and a lot of history that I was unaware of it’s a great course.

So engaging and easy to follow

I am neither a lawyer nor history major. This instructor and course material are outstanding. It is so well constructed, easy to follow, and engaging. I only wish I had the benefit of this instructor and material years ago.

Outstandingly interesting

It was my first book listened on the U.S. Constitution outside my legal education and I enjoyed the manner of storytelling and the context provided.

American History Seen Through the Constitution

An excellent tour of American history with an emphasis on the role of the Constitution

Great Overview

Could have gone without the last 2 lectures, and some more on the Commerce Clause, Oerall, good stuff though. A introductory level on the Constitution for novices and a good review for those who've say through Con Law as a 1L.

Excellent - Detailed and Substantial

As a practicing lawyer, I find a lot of law-related courses too basic or general. But not this one - it was consistently interesting, and I learned quite a bit. The chapter on Lincoln and habeas corpus was especially strong.

Informative

The professor’s liberal bias was evident in every lecture culminating in the indoctrination of lectures 23 and 24. He claims to do his best to be objective but fails. There was good information throughout but the listener needed to use and filter his opinions for bias.

Good listen… Except

The authors inability to accept the possibility of a 2020 stolen election. “Proof being the 2am massive spike in votes for Biden. First ever in voting history. Is the only negative. The rest was very informative and presented with clarity, clear and concise.