Your student deserves to understand the US Constitution. And we'll do that, right here, by taking a look back at the historical context, analyzing the document itself, the debates surrounding its creation, and its continuing relevance today. 

ESA note: This class is structured to accept ESA funds for participating states and families.

The U.S. Constitution is a foundational document that has shaped how the U.S. government operates and protects the rights of its citizens. However, it’s also at the center of many complex and ongoing debates about governance and individual freedoms.

This course is designed for homeschool students and independent learners who are curious about the history, principles, and modern significance of the Constitution. Whether you're preparing for exams or simply want to better understand how the government functions, this course will equip you with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to engage thoughtfully with the Constitution and its impact on society. 🎓📝

Throughout the class, you'll explore the historical context surrounding the Constitution, the intense debates that led to its creation, and how it continues to shape U.S. law and politics today. You'll dive into essential concepts like popular sovereignty, separation of powers, and federalism, and consider how they remain relevant in modern governance. 🏛️📚 Through studying historical documents, primary sources, and current issues, you’ll gain insight into the continuing importance of the Constitution in addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges. 💬🔍

This class is designed with flexibility in mind. In addition to in class discussion and lecture, it offers opportunities for self-guided research, reflective writing, and independent analysis. It will help you build a solid foundation in civics and prepare you for future academic pursuits and informed citizenship. 🌟 Let's get started on this journey to understand one of the most influential documents in U.S. history and beyond! 📜🌍


Students are welcomed and encouraged to submit assignments for feedback each lesson, as well as to ask questions throughout. 

👩‍🏫 How will class be taught?

Class will be taught through lecture, discussion, question and answer, as well as practice and demonstration exercises. Students have indicated Mr. Scott's teaching style is "intense and engaging". 

Weekly Topics:

1/5: The American Revolution and the Articles of Confederation

1/12: Enlightenment Ideas and Influences

1/19: The Constitutional Convention of 1787

1/26: The Preamble and Popular Sovereignty

2/2: Federalism – Balancing National and State Powers

2/9: Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

2/16: The Legislative Branch (Article I)

2/23: The Executive Branch (Article II)

3/2: The Judicial Branch (Article III)

3/9: The Federal Bureaucracy - The Fourth Branch of Government?

3/16: The Bill of Rights – Protecting Individual Liberties (part 1)

3/23: The Bill of Rights – Protecting Individual Liberties (part 2)

3/30: Civil War Amendments (13th, 14th, 15th Amendments)

4/6: Expanding Voting Rights (19th, 24th, 26th Amendments)

4/13: Constitutional Amendments – The Process and Its Challenges

4/20: The Constitution and Individual Liberties Today

4/27: The Role of the Constitution in Government Today

5/4: Landmark Supreme Court Cases and Constitutional Interpretation

5/11: Modern Debates About Constitutional Interpretation


I'm all about putting learners at the heart of the experience, empowering them with actionable takeaways and inspiration.

Class will occasionally include viewing of a few very short YouTube clips for context and to reach different learning styles. 

Also, class is taught to push student understanding. We build and unpack complex ideas from start to finish every session. 

🎓 Student Expectations:

We expect our students to embody our core values of teamwork, integrity, accountability, and problem-solving skills. Active participation and positivity are key!

Late Arrivals: They will be admitted at the discretion of Mr. Scott. 

Historical Approach:

The content presented in this course is grounded in rigorous historical analysis, emphasizing both primary and secondary sources. We strive to understand historical events, ideas, and figures within their own time, acknowledging the context in which they lived and operated. Our approach explicitly rejects presentism—the application of contemporary values or standards to past events or individuals. Instead, we focus on the complexities and nuances of historical contexts as the primary lens for understanding and interpretation.

Additionally, we focus on a wide variety of factors impacting historical development, not materialistic determinism. In addition to class, we emphasize ideas, philosophies, and individual agency as critical forces in shaping historical events. This approach encourages students to explore the rich, multi-faceted nature of historical analysis.