HIST 157: American Constitutional History to 1876

John Semonche

The maximum enrollment of the course is limited to 25 so that we can explore together, through discussion, simulations and other interaction, the antecedents, formation and interpretation of the United States Constitution through the period of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Drawing upon Western political thought and colonial experience, we look at the factors that have contributed to the American reshaping of the idea and practice of constitutionalism. Then we look at events leading up to the Philadelphia Convention and study the drafting and ratification of the Constitution. Although we do consider the work of the U. S. Supreme Court, we also pay considerable attention to the other branches of the government as they contribute to the interpretation of the Constitution. Constitutional change is viewed within a broad political, social, economic context. As can be expected for a 100 level history course, there is a substantial amount of reading, a good deal in primary sources. We do 5 classroom simulations during the course of the semester in which the class is constituted as a governmental body coping with a historical constitutional problem. Also most students prepare simulation materials to complete their paper assignment in the course. Generally, there are only two examinations, a mid-term take-home examination and a final. Students are permitted to rewrite their mid-term, in whole or in part, not only to improve their grades but also to learn how to profit from criticism of their written work. Also good discussion is taken into account in calculating final grades.