HIST 351-01, United States Constitutional History to 1865, Spring 2009

Abstract

This course examines American constitutionalism from the seventeenth century to the Civil War era. We will pay particular attention to revolutionary ideology, the creation of a constitution and a republic, and the new nation's attempts to deal with the issues of federalism, the separation of powers, the government's role in the national economy, and the future of slavery in the expanding republic. In contrast to a constitutional law course, this class is more concerned with how American constitutionalism both shaped and responded to larger political and social developments, and less concerned with the evolution of constitutional doctrine in and of itself. Because this course is a seminar, it is vital that students attend class, complete the assigned readings, and come prepared to discuss them. This is not a lecture course, and class participation is essential to the seminar’s survival. By the end of the semester, students should have a broad understanding of the history of American constitutionalism to1865, as well as improved oral, written, and critical thinking skills.