Summer 2005

GOV S312L • Issues and Policies in American Government

Course Description

Fulfills second half of legislative requirement for 6 hours of American government. Offered on a letter-grade basis only. May be taken for credit only once. This course begins with the origins of American constitutionalism and traces constitutional development from the first settlements through the early colonies on to the States under the Articles of Confederation and then to the Constitution. The majority of the course focuses on the debate between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists over whether or not this Constitution should be adopted. As we analyze this debate we will uncover basic Constitutional principles and come to understand the basic theory behind the Constitution's design as well as to engage arguments both for and against having a constitution of this sort.

Grading Policy

There will be three examinations and a paper. The examinations will be multiple choice and/or short answer. The examinations and the paper will each constitute 25% of the total score. Participation will factor into determining border line cases. It is also a minimum expectation.

Texts

Donald s. Lutz, The Origins of American Constitutionalism. Hamilton, Madison & Jay, The Federalist Papers. Herbert Storing, ed., The Anti-Federalist: Writings by the Opponents of the Constitution.

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