Modern Moves, Part 1 | America's Written Constitution with Akhil Reed Amar

This lecture is a masterclass in constitutional history, delivered by Akhil Reed Amar, a leading scholar in the field. The content is meticulously researched and presented with clarity and depth. Amar’s analysis of the 18th and 21st Amendments is particularly insightful, as he connects the process of ratification to the political dynamics of the time, such as malapportionment and the influence of special interests. He effectively explains how the 18th Amendment, despite its initial support, was doomed by its undemocratic origins, while the 21st Amendment’s use of state conventions reflected a more democratic process. The discussion of the 22nd Amendment is equally compelling, as Amar traces the evolution of the two-term tradition and its ambiguities, culminating in the reaction to Franklin Roosevelt’s unprecedented four terms. He also highlights the unintended consequences of term limits, such as the lame-duck phenomenon and the empowerment of vice presidents, which are often overlooked. The lecture is well-structured, with clear transitions between topics, and Amar’s engaging delivery makes complex constitutional issues accessible. The sources cited are reliable, including his own book and the Yale course materials. The only minor criticism is that the lecture assumes some prior knowledge of constitutional history, but this is appropriate for a course context. Overall, this is an excellent educational resource that provides valuable insights into the U.S. Constitution’s evolution.

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on modern constitutional amendments (18th, 21st, and 22nd) and their historical context.

9/10

Lecture by a renowned constitutional scholar, based on his book 'America's Constitution: A Biography'. The content is well-structured, historically accurate, and provides nuanced analysis of constitutional amendments. The argumentation is rigorous, and the speaker demonstrates deep expertise. The video is part of an official Yale course, adding to its credibility.

• 00:00Where the tour has reached
• 02:14Prohibition as a Progressive reform
• 05:53Why the Eighteenth Amendment fell so quickly
• 07:55Malapportionment, and the conventions that undid it
• 11:31The Twenty-Second Amendment stands alone
• 13:07Washington's precedent, and its ambiguities
• 16:14Grant, Cleveland, and the Roosevelts
• 18:17The case for and against term limits
• 20:22Second-term presidents as lame ducks
• 22:26How term limits empowered the vice presidency

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

• America's Constitution: A Biography — Amar's book, which this lecture is based on, provides a comprehensive history of the Constitution.