KC Johnson

History 7448

American Constitutional History

Tuesdays at 6.55pm

This course explores American constitutional history from the Revolutionary Era to the present day.

Requirements:

• Research Paper (50%)
• Participation (35%)
• Case Readings (15%)

Required Books:

• David Bernstein, Rehabilitating Lochner
• Eric Foner, A Short History of Reconstruction
• Ken Gormley, The Death of American Virtue
• Michael Klarman, From the Closet to the Altar
  
• Kevin McMahon, Reconsidering Roosevelt on Race
• Merrill Peterson, The Great Triumvirate
• Jack Rakove, Original Meanings
• James Simon, Lincoln and Chief Justice Taney
• Theda Skocpol, Protecting Soldiers and Mothers
• Seth Stern, Justice Brennan
• Jeffrey Toobin, The Oath
• Melvin Urofsky, Louis Brandeis: A Biography
• Gordon Wood, The Idea of America

Schedule:

January 29. From the Revolution to the Constitution

• Gordon Wood, The Idea of America
• Articles of Confederation
• PA 1776 State Constitution
• MA 1780 State Constitution

February 5. Constitutional Debates

• Jack Rakove, Original Meanings

• Military Power: Brutus No. 8; Federalist No. 8 (Charles C.)
• Nature of Senate: Brutus No. 16; Federalist No. 62 (Jennifer L.)

February 14 (transition day). The Congressional Era

• Merrill Peterson, The Great Triumvirate
• 1. Marbury v. Madison : John D.
     
  2. McCulloch v. Maryland: Mirlaine D.
  3. Dartmouth College v. Woodward: Charlene

February 19. Slavery, the Presidency & the Constitution

• James Simon, Lincoln and Chief Justice Taney

cases:

1. Ableman v. Booth: Xavier H.
   
2. Dred Scott: Peter D.
   
3. Ex parte Merryman: Nicholas L.
   

February 26. Reconstruction

• Eric Foner, A Short History of Reconstruction

cases:

1. Slaughterhouse Cases: Adrianna M.
2. U.S. v. Cruikshank: Yevgeniy M.
3. Civil Rights Cases: Sean O.

March 5. The Gilded Age & the American State

• Theda Skocpol, Protecting Soldiers and Mothers

1. Bradwell v. The State: Melissa R.
   
2. In re Debs: Donna R.
3. Yick Wo v. Hopkins: Miriam S.

March 12. Corporations & the Constitution

• David Bernstein, Rehabilitating Lochner

cases:

1. United States v. E.C. Knight (with Harlan dissent): John T.
2. Downes v. Bidwell: Iliya T.
3. Muller v. Oregon: Jenna V.

March 19. The Progressive Constitution

• Melvin Urofsky, Louis Brandeis: A Biography

cases:

1. Meyer v. Nebraska: Charles C.
2. Adkins v. Children’s Hospital: Peter D.
3. Black & White Taxicab Co. v. Brown & Yellow Taxicab Co.: John D.

Spring Break.

April 9. FDR & Civil Rights

• Kevin McMahon, Reconsidering Roosevelt on Race

cases:

1. Korematsu v. United States: Charlene F.
2. West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette: Mirlaine D.

April 16. Constitutional Liberalism

• Seth Stern, Justice Brennan

cases:

1. Reitman v. Mulkey: Xavier H.
2. Milliken v. Bradley: Jennifer L.
3. Regents of Univ. of California v. Bakke: Nicholas L.

April 23. The Clinton Years

• Ken Gormley, The Death of American Virtue

cases:

1. Bethel School District v. Fraser: Adrianna M.
2. Morrison v. Olson: Yevgeniy M.
3. Sony v. Universal City Studio: Sean O.

April 30. Gay Rights & the Constitution

• Michael Klarman, From the Closet to the Altar

cases:

1. Windsor v. United States: Melissa E.
2. Varnum v. Brien: Donna R.
3. Lofton v. Sec’y of Department of Children and Family Services: Miriam S.

May 7. The Roberts Era

• Jeffrey Toobin, The Oath

cases:

1. District of Columbia v. Heller: John T.
2. NFIB v. Sebelius: Iliya T.
3. Citizens United v. FEC: Jenna V.

May 14. Reading Day.

May 26. Final Papers Due by 11.59pm