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May 09, 2025
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POL 115 - U.S. Constitutional Law
Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours
Description
Born in the turbulent years following the Revolutionary War, the Constitution of the United States formalized many of the philosophical and political ideas of that period. The central values embodied in the U.S. Constitution reflect the Founders’ commitment to liberty and representative government. While the U.S. Constitution is the world’s longest surviving written charter of government, it has also generated a tremendous amount of controversy over its history. From the very beginning, disputes over constitutional interpretation have played a major role in shaping the American republic. In this course, students study some of these major constitutional disputes and gain a greater appreciation for the evolution of constitutional law since the founding period.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:
- Explain the nature and character of judicial decisions of the Supreme Court on a range of important subjects (separation of powers, individual privacy, states’ rights).
- Compare and contrast modern Supreme Court decisions within the context of the broader historical traditions of U.S. Constitutional law.
- Identify the basic philosophical values and traditions embedded within the U.S. Constitution.
- List the content of the different sections and articles of the U.S. Constitution.
- Describe the basic operation of the Supreme Court of the United States.
- Compare and contrast the Articles of Confederation with the U.S. Constitution.
Listed Topics
- The Articles of Confederation and the Constitutional Convention of 1787
- The operation of the Federal Judiciary
- Supreme Court decisions concerning the power of government and the jurisdiction between the various branches of government
- The Bill of Rights and the history of decisions the Court has made with respect to them: freedom of speech, the press, religion, individual privacy and due process
- The 14th amendment of equal protection and the process of incorporation
Reference Materials
Contemporary text and appropriate online materials.
Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals: - Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Culture Society & Citizenship
Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 02/23/2024
Last Reviewed: 02/23/2024
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