Historical and Philosophical Roots of the U.S. Constitution

• Examine the influence that earlier governing documents had on the development of the Constitution of the United States.
• Explore the philosophies and personal backgrounds of the drafters of the U.S. Constitution.

The Three Branches of Government

• Examine the reasons for and the realities of interaction between the three branches of the U.S. Government created by the Constitution.
• Explore how the conflict between supporters of a strong federal government and champions of states' rights has continued to today.

The Bill of Rights and Later Amendments

• Evaluate the societal impact of the amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights.
• Analyze the impact of Constitutional Amendments (slavery, civil rights, suffrage, et al.).

Notable Supreme Court Decisions

• Explore Supreme Court decisions of the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of the press.
• Examine the current status of the First Amendment provision on the establishment of religion.
• Evaluate Supreme Court protection of the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech.
• Assess the proper role of the federal government in regulating interstate commerce in light of Supreme Court decisions.
• Trace the Supreme Court's evolving interpretations of a constitutional right of privacy.

Reflecting on the Constitution

• Evaluate the rights and responsibilities of a citizen of the United States.