Supreme court cases on the separation of powers, national and state regulatory powers, the federal system, and the role of the courts.
Athena Title
Constitutional Law Powers
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in POLS 4700E, POLS 4700H, POLS 4800
Prerequisite
POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to understand the concept of “constitutionalism” and how a written constitution promotes the rule of law.
Students should be able to understand the origin, purpose, strengths, and weaknesses of judicial review.
Students should be able to understand the basics of constitutional interpretation (such as the difference between judicial activism and judicial restraint, the arguments for and against the use of “original intent” to clarify ambiguous constitutional language, and whether the constitution should be read literally or not).
Students should be able to understand the constitutional underpinnings of the separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the U.S. government and be able to describe how and why the powers of the three branches have evolved as they have.
Students should be able to understand the concept of federalism and be able to explain the tensions between “states’ rights” and the concept of national supremacy.
Students should be able to understand the significance of the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the concept of state “police powers,” and Congress’s use of the Commerce Clause to regulate both the transportation and production of goods.
Students should be able to understand and critique the role of the U.S. Supreme Court in determining the balance of power among the various branches and levels of government.
Topical Outline
1. The Supreme Court, Judicial Review, and Constitutional Politics
2. The Development of Law: Comparative Constitutional Interpretation
3. Jurisdiction and Decision Making
4. Judicial Self-Restraint and Access Doctrines
5. Presidential Power: Foreign Affairs and Domestic Affairs
6. Legislative Power: Taxing, Spending, and Investigatory Powers
