American Constitutional History & Rights (LAWS90061)

This intensive course will introduce Australian students to the U.S. Constitution and constitutional rights from a historical perspective. The goal will be an understanding of constitution making and amending in the U.S. context, showing how American constitutional law both is impacted by and impacts the wider social context.

Topics addressed will include:

• The American Constitutional Convention and ratification process;
• American federalism and division of powers between state and nation;
• American constitutional structure with checks between branches;
• U.S. Bill of Rights and the evolving understanding of individual rights;
• U.S. constitutional interpretation by the courts: original intent vs. living constitution; and
• Impact of amendments over time, especially the 14 th amendment to the U.S. Bill of Rights, which addresses citizenship rights and equal protection before the law.