What does the U.S. Constitution say? We will focus on the language of the Constitution and the history that helps show what that language meant when it was ratified. We will touch only lightly on constitutional law as developed by the Supreme Court.

We will start with the question of whether the Constitution was constitutional. (There was a prior constitution.) Just what are constitutions and what is their force? Still in the first session, we will turn to the religion clauses. Then we will move to the foundational structure of the Constitution: congressional powers, executive powers, judicial powers, and states’ rights. After that what we discuss will be a matter of class choice.

Possible topics include, but are not limited to: guns and swords; impeachment; emoluments; property rights; punishment; racial, gender, and orientation equality; plea bargaining; online privacy, and executive orders.

Class format will be lecture-discussion. Readings, in addition to the Constitution, will all be online, including a little case law. Access to the internet is very nearly a prerequisite.