THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION : POWERS AND STRUCTURES OF GOVERNMENT

LAW 731

An introduction to the constitutional law of the United States covering the basic structure of government in the United States, with emphasis on the federal government. Includes the role of the federal courts and the doctrine of judicial review; the rise of federal power, as reflected particularly in shifting definitions of "interstate commerce," the doctrine of separation of powers, with emphasis on current issues of legislative and executive branch authority; and judicial and other limitations on the exercise of authority by the states as well as selected rights protected in the Amendments to the Constitution.

POLISCI 412

This course undertakes an historical examination of the development of American constitutional thinking about individual rights and civil liberties from the founding era to the present day. Issue that are considered include freedoms guaranteed by the original Articles, the Bill of Rights, and the Civil War Amendments (XIII, XIV, and XV) as these issues appear in constitutional law, constitutional politics, and social and economic developments. The role of the federal courts, the nature and operation of principles of federalism, and the authority of Congress to protect constitutionally guaranteed rights are also major topics of consideration.

POLISCI 104

Basic institutions and processes of American government. The role of constitutional structures, parties, interest groups and elections in the system; policy formation and policy content.

POLISCI 904

In-depth examination of selected topics on American politics and governmental institutions.

POLISCI 405

The structure of state government and the politics of public policy-making in the fifty states.