POLS 314 Governmental Power and U.S. Constitutional Law

An examination of how the Supreme Court interprets the U.S. Constitution in the area of the scope and limitations on governmental power. A research paper is optional.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Sophomore standing

Offered

Spring, odd years

Outcomes

1. Students will gain an understanding of the history and practice of constitutional interpretation in resolving constitutional disputes in the federal system.
2. Students will gain an understanding of some of the substantive issues addressed in the Supreme Court in the areas of federalism, taxing and spending powers, commerce, separation of powers, and electoral politics.
3. Students will gain an understanding of how the Supreme Court has changed over time in its interpretation of the Constitution in the area of governmental power.
4. Students will gain an appreciation of the role that the U.S. Supreme Court plays in shaping the political landscape of the U.S.
5. If the research paper option is chosen, students will develop research, writing, and critical thinking skills through an in-depth exploration of an issue of contemporary U.S. constitutional law concern.