I.    Introduction

In this section we will cover some basic questions about the adoption and nature of the U.S. Constitution, and of constitutions generally. What is the best approach to drafting a constitution? What does it mean to have a constitution? Why should any text adopted long before the current era bind people today? How should a constitution be interpreted? By focusing predominantly on the textual? On the framers’ intent? On evolving or contemporary circumstances? And how should a constitution be revised?

1. Approaches to Constitutional Texts, Adoption, and Revision
   1. Constitutional Texts
      The U.S. Constitution, CB xxxvii-l
      The Canadian Constitution, Supp. 3-37
      The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Supp. 38-122
   2. Adoption of Constitutions
      
      1. The Canadian and South African Constitutions
         Supp. 1-2 (Canada)
         Supp. 123-126 (South Africa)
      2. The U.S. Constitution CB 1-19
         
   3. Constitutional Revision
      The U.S. Constitution, CB xxxvii-l
      The Canadian Constitution, Part V, Supp. 33-35
      The South African Constitution, § 74, Supp. 56-57
      Supp. 127-136 (amendment by referendum; unconstitutional amendments; the role of courts in constitutional amendment)
      
   4. Incorporating Constitutional Amendments into Constitutions
      Supp. 137-154 (Hartnett)
2. Why Should Democratic Societies Be Constrained by a Constitution?
   CB 19-22
3. Approaches to Constitutional Interpretation
   1. Does the Text Tell Us Everything? Reference re Secession of Quebec
      Supp. 155-166; CB 76-77, CB xli (Art. II § 2 cl. 1)
      CB 342-343 (Curtiss-Wright)
   2. Methods of Interpretation
      1. Textualism: The Constitution and Slavery
         Supp. 167-185
         
      2. Original Intent
         
         1. Heller v. District of Columbia
            CB 43-49
            
         2. Home Building & Loan Ass’n v. Blaisdell
            CB 826-829 (through Note 2)
         3. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau v. Community Financial Services Ass’n of America, Ltd)
            Supp. 186-205; Supp. 206-215 (optional)
            
      3. Deference: The Bank of the United States and the Powers of the Federal Government
         
         1. McCulloch v. Maryland
            CB 49-60
            Supp. 216-218 (Dudgeon)
            
         2. Putting a Constitution into Practice
            Supp. 219-225 (Lynch)

II.    The Role of the Federal Courts in the Constitutional Framework

In this section we will examine closely the role of the courts in interpreting and enforcing the Constitution, with particular attention to judicial review (i.e., the power of the courts to declare a statute or regulation unconstitutional). As part of this examination we will look at the Supreme Court’s early use of judicial review. We will also consider the power of Congress to limit judicial review, and the self-imposed restraints that the courts put on their power of judicial review (through doctrines such as standing and political question). As with everything we cover, we will also cast a critical eye on the Supreme Court’s handling of its role, with close looks at the reasons for its holdings and arguments for and against them.

III.    Separation of Powers: The Allocation of Powers within the Federal Government

In this section we will examine the allocation of power within the federal government. We will begin with a look at a major case (Youngstown) that provides a good vehicle for thinking about how to approach constitutional interpretation and the proper role of the courts in this area. We will then take closer looks at separation of powers in foreign affairs and domestic contexts. In the domestic context, one of the areas we will look at relates to the role of “independent” administrative agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission or the Securities and Exchange Commission. It helps to have some familiarity with how the federal government is structured today. If you are unsure whether you need more background, there are many online sources you can consult. Below are two very basic ones and a more scholarly treatment:
• Independent Executive Agencies of US Government, ThoughtCo.
• American Government, §§ 8a, 8b, and 8c.
• Independent Agencies in the United States

IV.    Federalism: Shifts in the Allocation of State and Federal Powers and in the Court’s Role vis-à-vis Congress

In this section we will examine the allocation of power between the federal government and state governments. While U.S. history and the history of constitutional doctrine are important throughout the course, this is one area where we will particularly examine the evolution of doctrine. The question of federalism is mediated primarily through interpretation of the Commerce Clause (Art. I § 8 cl. 3, CB xxxix), and that interpretation has changed markedly over time and remains in flux today. As we will see, the answer to the question -- what is the responsibility of the Court and Congress in determining the proper allocation of federal and state power under the Constitution? -- has also shifted over time. We will also take a look at some other federalism issues, such as those raised by the power to tax and spend.