Analysis of the U.S. Constitution and the role of the Supreme Court in interpreting it. Analysis of the historical context in which the Constitution was created, the text of the Constitution and the intentions of its authors, and controversies over its ratification. Analysis of the role of the Supreme Court and the methods it uses to interpret the Constitution’s meaning. Most extensively, analysis of Supreme Court decisions in leading cases involving judicial, congressional, and presidential power, federalism, government regulation of the economy, and civil rights and liberties. Prerequisite: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors only. PG 350 recommended as a prerequisite.