We the People: A History of the US Constitution (Evanston Campus)




« back to classes page
ClassGraphic We the People: A History of the US Constitution isn’t the history text you might expect. Best-selling author Jill Lepore, Harvard Professor of history, law and national media personality, introduces her 14th book (Liveright Publishing, 2025) with a quote from Bugs Bunny to Daffy Duck: “It was intended to be amended!” But for two centuries, Americans have failed to realize the full promise enshrined in our Founding Fathers’ Constitution—the ability of the people to change it without threat of punishment or violence. That power resides in its amendments. However, from 1789-1971(182 years), only 27 of more than 12,000 proposed amendments have been ratified by Congress. Without sufficient government or political response, frustration mounts, and the risk of political violence rises, as we know. So, what can We the People do right now to remedy this threat to our democracy? Lepore’s answer, Active Citizenship, is not a passive concept. It is her invitation for us to learn the gripping story of our past, and call on fellow Americans to participate, deliberate, evaluate ideas and then act together to create a new vision and collective roadmap for shaping our country’s future. Join us to share your ideas!
 

Class Details

14 Session(s)
Weekly - Thu

Location
500 Davis Center

Instructor
Multiple

Tuition: 

$0.00

Email olli@northwestern.edu for more information. Send to Friend »

Schedule Information

Date(s) Class Days Times Location Instructor(s)
3/5/2026 - 6/4/2026 Weekly - Thu 01:15 PM - 03:15 PM Evanston, 500 Davis Center  Map Jerry Bernstein  ; Mary Hummel 

Recommended Classes