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Discover the enduring principles of good government and the impressive structure of the American Constitution.
In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power. This course will examine how Publius understood human nature and good government, and why he argued that the only true safeguard of liberty lies in the vigilance of the American people.
This course includes ten lectures, each about 30 minutes long. Complete the course and receive a certificate by watching the lectures and taking the short quizzes that follow. Study guides are provided to supplement each lecture. You can engage in conversations with other students on the dedicated discussion board. Take the course at your own pace and in the manner that best fits your schedule.
Enroll in “The Federalist” today to rekindle the vigilance needed to preserve republican self-government.
Taught by:
Ronald J. Pestritto, Charles and Lucia Shipley Professor in the American Constitution
Released 2025.
Recommended Course
The Federalist Papers
Politics
Written between October 1787 and August 1788, The Federalist Papers is a collection of newspaper essays written in defense of the Constitution. Writing under the pen name Publius, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay explain the merits of the proposed Constitution, while confronting objections raised by its opponents. Thomas Jefferson described the work as “the best commentary on the principles of government, which ever was written.” This course will explore major themes of The Federalist Papers, such as the problem of majority faction, separation of powers, and the three branches of government.
10 Lessons
7h
What Current Students Are Saying
The instructors are very good. The tests make you think. There are other helpful discussion screens and the whole process makes it feel much like a classroom setting. I feel the Federalist Papers are somewhat difficult to read on your own, so this course makes it much easier to understand.