Government 201 - American Constitutional Law: Structures and Powers

American Constitutional Law

Fall
2025
01
4.00
Joseph Cozza

TU TH 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Smith College
GOV-201-01-202601
Seelye 106
jcozza@smith.edu
This course examines the structures of power in a constitutional democracy, exploring contests over authority from John Marshall and Thomas Jefferson to Donald Trump. Discussions include: the powers of the federal and state governments, the executive’s emergency powers, and the Supreme Court’s authority to nullify the acts of other branches. Under these general headings are to be found such issues as the power to regulate firearms, recognize foreign governments, overturn a judicial decision through congressional action, deprive citizens of rights during wartime, regulate immigration, and protect voting rights. By the end of the course, students should have an informed judgement on these questions.
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.
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