SPA-350 Constitutional Law I: Powers and Federalism (3)

This course explores, from a theoretical and historical perspective, the role of the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court decisions interpreting it on the development of the American political system. Topics covered include the origins and purpose of the U.S. Constitution and its role in defining the powers of Congress, the executive branch, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the states; competing theories of constitutional interpretation; the Supreme Court’s development of the doctrine of judicial review of federal and state laws, and key decisions addressing constitutional limits on federal and state government power. Prerequisite: GOVT-105 or GOVT-110.