American Constitutional History – GOVT 421
CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 02/01/2024
Course Description
A survey of American constitutional development from British and colonial origins to the present, emphasizing the history of the Supreme Court and the development of the constitutional framework.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
American Constitutional History provides the student with an overview of the American Founding. The course focuses on the fundamental, constitutional origins of our governmental system. The student will explore the relationship between biblical, constitutional principles and modern American politics.
Course Assignment
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 400 words, be supported by at least 2 sources (with one being the text), and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 200–250 words and be supported by at least 2 sources (with one being the text).
The student will write three 2–3-page research-based papers in current APA format that focus on 1) the constitutional heritage of our governmental system; 2) the faith of our Founding Fathers; and 3) the major constitutional principles of our legal system. The papers must include at least 3 references in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible.
The student will write a research-based paper that focuses on the right to privacy as the foundation for the right to an abortion.
Research Paper: Right to Privacy Preparation Assignment
This assignment will be completed in 2 parts. The first part will consist of creating a thesis statement, an intended outline, and a bibliography.
Research Paper: Right to Privacy Assignment
After receiving feedback from the instructor, the student will submit the 4–5-page final draft of the paper. The paper must be in current APA format and include at least 5 references in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible.
The student will write a research-based paper that focuses on 2 major Supreme Court cases regarding religion and politics. This assignment will be completed in 2 parts.
Research Paper: Religious Liberty Preparation Assignment
The first part will consist of creating a thesis statement, an intended outline, and a bibliography.
Research Paper: Religious Liberty Assignment
After receiving feedback from the instructor, the student will submit the 5–7-page final draft of the paper. The paper must be in current APA format and include at least 5 references in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible.
