Unit 2 moves from the ideals of the Declaration to the fulfillment of those ideals in the Constitution. Readings and discussions focus on the development and prerogatives of the federal government, including an exploration of the three branches of government and the potential of and remedies to abuses of power.
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Learning Objectives:
Understand arguments for and complexities of the development of a centralized government.
Analyze the dynamic between a centralized government and state governments, including the benefits of and potential challenges to the balance of power.
Practice reading primary sources and interpreting them with a modern-day lens to add complexity and depth to understanding a topic.
Readings
These are required readings that students complete the night before. The fellows review the readings in study groups on the morning of your seminar.
Madison, James. “Federalist No. 10.” in The Federalist. Original publisher unknown, 1787.
Tocqueville, Alexis de. Democracy in America. Translated by Harvey C. Mansfield and Delba.
Winthrop. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2000. (pp. 105-110; 113-115; 118-124; 130-133; 143-154). U.S. Constitution, 1787.
What Students Know:
In Unit 1, students explored the substantive ideals underpinning American democracy. Through readings and discussions, they critically examined concepts such as political equality, liberty, freedom, individualism, and sovereignty of the people, all within the backdrop of the American Revolution. Students were given a brief overview of the following topics: Post-Revolutionary America, the Constitutional Convention, Federalist-Anti-Federalist Debates, and the Formation of the Constitutional Framework. Students also completed a unit on analytical reading taught by WSP fellows.
Writing Assignment
Throughout the week, students will be working with writing instructors and tutors to develop a 3-5 page college-level academic essay. Students are expected to use assigned readings as primary sources and are encouraged to use study groups and seminar discussions to support their writing. You are welcome to highlight any topics during the discussion that you think might be relevant to their essay writing.
Your Role
Faculty provide a core service in our academic boot camps by ensuring that WSP participants experience a college-level course in a real-life setting. This experience helps to instill confidence and prompt motivation to pursue higher education. Your role is, ultimately, to be yourself; to share your expertise with participants and to run the class like you would with traditional college students. We highly encourage you to find ways to connect with participants and to share any advice you have for them as they transition from military service to higher education.
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