GOVT 6271

Constitutional Law: An Introduction

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2024-2025.

In this course, we will examine one of the most important documents in American history – our Constitution.  Course topics will include the historical background of the document from the Magna Carta to the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation.  We will look at the creation of the Constitution, including the conflict between strong supporters of this proposed new Constitution (Federalists) and their opponents (Anti-Federalists). How did the Founders resolve their differences and what led the States to adopt a document limiting and balancing the powers of the President, Congress, and the Judiciary? We shall look at the constant tension (from the beginning to the present) over the balance of power between the three co-equal branches.  We shall discuss the role of the Constitution from both empirical and theoretical perspectives and look at how it has evolved from 1788 to the present day. Special attention will be paid to the use of Amendments, particularly the Bill of Rights, to address events/circumstances unforeseen by the drafters.  Finally, the course will discuss critical cases where the Supreme Court defined and redefined what the Constitution meant.  

When Offered Fall.

• Students will identify key stakeholders in the formulation of the Constitution.
• Students will identify and discuss key cases in controversy in which the Supreme Court ruled to establish clear parameters on how the Constitution has been interpreted for more than 200 years with an emphasis on the Bill of Rights.
• Students will analyze why the Constitution remains such an important aspect an influence in American daily life.
• (graduate students) Assess the scholarly understanding of the role of the Constitution and Constitutional Law in American politics and policy.

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