POS 306 - Crafting the American Constitution

This course will engage students in a substantive, detailed, and critical examination of the debates surrounding the drafting, ratification, and early implementation of the Constitution of the United States. It will begin with an examination of the important thinkers who influenced the American Founders, move to a detailed analysis of the critical issues at the Constitutional Convention and in the state ratification debates, and conclude with a look at some early government actions and Supreme Court decisions that put flesh on the bones of the Constitution. During the entirety of this course, students will be asked to reflect on the degree to which the founding debates are still relevant to contemporary American politics and government.

Prerequisites: POS 100.

Course Typically Offered: Fall

Credits: 3