I welcome you to what I think is the most significant course in our curriculum, because in Constitutional Law, we explore not only the law of the Constitution, but the source of who we are as Americans. It is a great journey.

The book store has been having some problems getting up to speed after the tragic and sudden death of the textbook director a short while ago, so we should all be patient with them.

The texts are Sullivan and Feldman, Constitutional Law, 18th edition, and the 2015 supplement when it arrives. As of now, the bookstore has a few used copies in, but more (new and used) are on the way. This does not preclude you from finding your own used copy on the internet.

Another required text is The Heritage Guide to the Constitution, 2d edition (2014). Be sure to obtain the second edition. These copies are not in the bookstore as of today, but you can easily find them on the internet. The ISBN number is 978-1-62157-268-8. You will need this book for the first class, if you can possibly obtain it.

I also am having printed separate materials that will be available shortly at the front desk. You will also need these materials for the first week.

Below are the first week's assignments:

Session 1

The Constitution (1)
Read the Constitution thoroughly and be prepared for detailed questioning on the meaning of the text.
The text of the Constitution can be found in your textbook or in The Heritage Guide to the Constitution
In addition, pick and read any two short entries of the Constitution from The Heritage Guide
 
Prepare a brief reflection (no more than 2 pages) on one of the articles describing what if anything you found out that was new to you. Turn in that reflection on the second day of class.

James Otis, The Rights of the British Colonies Asserted and Proved
Supplementary Materials

Session 2
The Constitution (2)
Events Leading to the American Revolution, the Independence of the United States, and the Establishment of the Constitution
Separate Materials
Dr. Bonham’s Case
Examination of Benjamin Franklin in the House of Commons
John Dickinson, Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania
Massachusetts Circular Letter
Declaration and Resolves of the First Continental Congress
Necessity of Taking up Arms
Resolves and Recommendations
Mayflower Compact
The Declaration of Independence
Supplementary Materials, pages 1-46
Preamble
Heritage Guide, pages 51-54
Written assignment: prepare and turn in a one or two page reflection on one of the two entries you had read for session 1.