Making Amends, Part 1 | America's Written Constitution with Akhil Reed Amar

This lecture offers a compelling and scholarly interpretation of the US Constitution’s development. Akhil Reed Amar, a distinguished legal scholar, provides a nuanced argument that the Constitution is not a static document but an evolving project shaped by successive generations. His emphasis on the chronological appending of amendments is insightful, as it allows each generation’s contributions to remain visible. The lecture is well-structured, moving from the founding era through key historical milestones like the Louisiana Purchase and the abolition of slavery. Amar’s comparison of Marbury v. Madison and the Louisiana Purchase is thought-provoking, arguing that the latter had more significant constitutional consequences. He supports his points with historical examples and references to state constitutions, demonstrating rigorous scholarship. The lecture is accessible yet intellectually rich, making it valuable for both students and enthusiasts. However, it presents a particular interpretive lens, and some viewers might seek alternative perspectives. The production quality is high, and the content aligns with the course’s objectives. Overall, this is an excellent educational resource that encourages deeper reflection on constitutional history.

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on the amendment process and the broader constitutional project, as part of a lecture series.

9/10

Lecture by a renowned constitutional scholar, based on his book and Yale course, with clear arguments and historical references. The content is well-structured and reliable, though it represents an interpretive perspective rather than a purely neutral account.

• 00:00The end of the original Constitution
• 02:13Why amendments are appended, not woven in
• 04:48What the American project gave the world
• 06:51A revolution that did not devour itself
• 09:26State constitutions as the first round
• 12:03Louisiana, and the real decision of 1803
• 13:37Turning territories into equal states
• 14:42The project of ending slavery
• 17:13The twentieth century, and the present

• America's Written Constitution (Course) — Course page for the lecture series
• America's Written Constitution (Coursera) — Online course version
• YouTube Playlist — Playlist of lectures

• Yale University — Institution offering the course