Constitutions shape practically every aspect of modern life. In the United States, the federal Constitution not only defines a political community – “We the People” – it also articulates laws, enumerates rights, scaffolds how we debate justice, and even helps outline principles for living a good life. Yet, we rarely stop to consider what a constitution is, how the idea of constitutions emerged, or what constitutions seek to achieve. This course invites students to explore these questions through an interdisciplinary examination of how early American constitution-making connects with and compares to a global history of constitutions. Prerequisites: Honors eligibility required.