American Foundations Minor American Foundations Minor The American Foundations minor focuses on providing an enhanced understanding and appreciation of the American founding and the U.S. Constitution.Offered and co-sponsored by the Department of Social Sciences and the Department of History and War Studies. Breadcrumb academics majors and minors american foundations minor academics-sidebarnav MENU Academic Program Majors & Minors Enrichment Opportunities Internships Study Abroad Extracurricular Opportunities Service Academy Exchange Program Scholars Program Departments Overview Courses Enrichment Have you ever thought about what it means to be free? How leaders balance power and responsibility for the good of the people? What makes American democracy unique is the focus of the American Foundations minor at the United States Military Academy at West Point during the direction of the Department of Social Sciences (SOSH) and the Department of History and War Studies (HWS).At West Point, the American Foundations minor helps you become more than just a military leader - it helps you become a defender of the ideas that define America. You’ll leave with a stronger sense of who we are as a nation, what we stand for, and why it matters.What is American Foundations?The American Foundations minor helps cadets explore the core ideas, institutions, and history that shaped the United States. It's all about understanding the founding principles of America - like liberty, democracy, justice, and the rule of law - and how those principles continue to guide the nation today. The minor creates an interdisciplinary community of cadets and faculty members who, through rigorous analysis, can enrich and enhance an understanding and appreciation of the American founding. When they are commissioned as second lieutenants, cadets take an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States.” This minor provides cadets with a stronger knowledge base of the Constitution, the contexts from which it emerged, and the specific features of the democratic republic Americans created when they ratified this revolutionary plan for their government.What Choose American Foundations at USMA?For cadets interested in the Constitution, U.S. history, political philosophy, or leadership ethics, the American Foundations minor deepens their understanding of what it means to serve and lead in a democracy.Understand the Country They ServeAs future Army officers, cadets take an oath to uphold the Constitution. This minor helps them truly understand what that means.Sharpen Your Critical ThinkingCadets study original founding documents, classic political philosophy, and historical debates, developing strong reasoning, reading, and writing skills.Explore the Big Ideas Behind American LeadershipCadets learn about natural rights, the separation of powers, civil liberties, federalism, and more - all essential for thoughtful leadership in today’s military and society.Connect Past to PresentCadets study how America's founding ideals apply to modern issues like civil-military relations, national security, race, freedom, and equality.Enhance Any MajorWhether cadets are majoring in Political Science, History, Law, Engineering, or International Affairs, this minor strengthens their ethical foundation and strategic perspective.What To Do With This Minor?While the American Foundations minor isn’t about technical skills, it adds value in leadership-focused careers:Army roles in civil affairs, strategy, or military lawGraduate study in law, public policy, or political scienceLong-term leadership in government, education, or public serviceInterested CadetsLearn about the Department of Social Sciences (SOSH) and Department of History & War Studies (HWS)Contact SOSHContact HWS What does it really mean to be an American? Why was our Constitution written the way it was? How have freedom, justice, and leadership evolved over time? If you’re interested in the big ideas that shaped the United States - and how they still matter today - the American Foundations minor at West Point is a powerful way to explore them. It helps you connect the past to the present—and lead the future with purpose and principle.Why Consider This MinorThis program is perfect for cadets who want to understand the roots of American government, values, and identity. It combines political philosophy, history, law, and leadership to help you become a well-informed leader in service to the nation.Better Leaders Know Their Roots: Knowing how America was built helps cadets lead it wisely.Sharpen Your Critical Thinking: Cadets learn to analyze tough questions, debate ideas, and communicate clearly.Flexible & Valuable: Pairs well with majors like International Affairs, History, American Politics, or Law & Legal Studies.Timeless Lessons: The principles cadets tudy apply to any leadership role - military, public service, or civilian life.This minor could be a great fit for cadets who are:Passionate about history, politics, or philosophyWant to be a thoughtful and principled leaderAre curious about what makes the U.S. government and society workSee value in studying foundational texts and timeless ideasWhat Cadets LearnIn this minor, cadets explore the foundations of America - its ideas, institutions, and cultural legacy. They study:U.S. Constitution and Founding Documents – Understand the core principles that guide American governmentAmerican Political Thought – Dive into ideas like liberty, equality, and democracyCivil-Military Relations – Explore the role of the Army in a free societyLeadership and Ethics – Learn what it means to lead with integrity in a democracySome courses focus more on political theory, while others offer a deep dive into milestones of U.S. history and civic development.Choice of ElectivesCadets customize their minor with courses like:American Political Philosophy – Explore the ideas behind liberty, justice, and the rule of lawAmerican Military History – See how the U.S. Army shaped (and was shaped by) our country’s growthReligion and American Politics – Study how faith and politics have influenced each other over timeConstitutional Law – Learn how the Supreme Court interprets the nation's most important documentLeadership in American History – Analyze how past leaders faced crisis, change, and challengeLearn MoreView the full American Foundations minor curriculumMeet the American Foundations faculty They can also expect to meet expert guest speakers, travel on exciting trip sections, and have the opportunity to compete for slots in the Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, a USMA-run academic enrichment experience at locations like the White House, Congress, and the Pentagon.To learn more about enrichment in this area of study, visit the Department of Social Sciences.