PUBPOL 2600

Constitutional Law – an Introduction

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

In this course, we will examine one of the most cherished documents in American history – our Constitution. Course topics will include the foundations of the document from the Magna Carta to the Articles of Confederation and the Declaration of Independence as well as the conflict between strong supporters of this proposed new Constitution (Federalists) and their opponents (Anti-Federalists.). How did the Founders resolve their differences and what led the States to adopt a document limiting and balancing the powers of the President, Congress, and the Judiciary? From the inception of America to the present day, there have been constant challenges by one branch of government regarding the role and scope of power wielded by their respective co-equal branches of government. We shall discuss the role of the Constitution from both empirical and theoretical perspectives to answer the challenges presented in both preserving and strengthening the Constitution from 1788 to the present day. Special attention will be paid to the use of Amendments, particularly the Bill of Rights, to address events/circumstances unforeseen by the drafters. Finally, the course will discuss Court challenges where the Justices acted courageously to preserve and protect the Constitution – as well as instances where they failed from the Preamble to Establish Justice and Tranquility for All.

Forbidden Overlaps PUBPOL 2600, PUBPOL 3270, PUBPOL 5270

Enrollment Information Enrollment limited to: First-year undergraduate students participating in the Cornell in Washington, Brooks DC Start program.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025FA

Learning Outcomes

• Identify key stakeholders in the formulation of the Constitution.
• Identify and discuss key cases in controversy in which the Supreme Court ruled to establish clear parameters on how the Constitution has been interpreted for more than 200 years with an emphasis on the Bill of Rights.
• Formulate a foundation on why the Constitution remains such an important aspect an influence in American daily life.

View Enrollment Information