For law students preparing for a career in law, constitutional law is one of the most vital areas of study. The Constitution is the cornerstone of American law, defining the framework of government, the distribution of powers, and the rights of individuals. Whether you're pursuing a career in litigation, public law, civil rights, or any other area, understanding constitutional law is indispensable for navigating the legal landscape.
What is Constitutional Law?
Constitutional law is the body of law that interprets and applies the U.S. Constitution. It encompasses the structure of the federal government, the powers and limits of its branches, and the protection of individual rights through judicial review. This area of law also explores the relationship between federal and state governments, as well as the evolving understanding of constitutional principles as society and legal precedents change.
Key constitutional issues include the scope of executive power, legislative authority, the rights of individuals under the Bill of Rights, and the relationships between states and the federal government.
Why is Constitutional Law Important for Law Students?
Constitutional law is not only foundational for passing exams, but it also provides essential insights for understanding the broader legal system. Whether you plan to argue cases before the Supreme Court, work as a clerk for a federal judge, or advise clients on matters of civil rights or governmental authority, a solid grasp of constitutional principles will be vital to your career.
For law students, constitutional law is a bridge between theory and practice. It provides the framework for interpreting laws, understanding the scope of government power, and ensuring the protection of individual freedoms. Moreover, constitutional law is intricately tied to other areas of law, such as civil procedure, administrative law, and even criminal law, making it a subject that intersects with nearly every aspect of legal practice.
Additionally, many of the most high-profile legal disputes—whether related to presidential powers, the separation of powers, civil liberties, or states’ rights—are rooted in constitutional law. Law students who understand these principles will be better prepared to navigate complex legal issues, from analyzing statutes and regulations to advocating in court.
Constitutional Law at No. 86
The No. 86 Constitutional Law Course is designed to give law students a deep understanding of the Constitution, its principles, and its application in modern legal practice. This course provides an in-depth examination of the Constitution's structure, its historical development, and how its key provisions have been interpreted over time.
Course Overview: What You’ll Learn
Our course offers a comprehensive introduction to constitutional law with clear explanations and engaging examples. Key modules include:
- Structure of the Constitution: These videos cover the basics of what the Constitution is, and how and why it was written. Videos include discussions of other founding documents like the Declaration of Independence and state constitutions; how the Founders utilized the common law and British precedent; popular sovereignty; and why the Constitution needed to be a written document.
- Federal Courts: Curious about the role of the federal courts? This course explores how a case gets to the Supreme Court, what happens if it reaches the docket, and the role of the Chief Justice on SCOTUS.
- Amendments: Amendments to the Constitution are almost as old as the Constitution itself. Learn more about the original “Amendments” (which we now call the Bill of Rights) as well as crucial later amendments that altered and extended the Constitution in new ways.
- Article I: Legislative Power: Why did the Founders make it difficult for Congress to pass laws? How did they decide on a bicameral legislature and its constituency? In these videos and podcasts, scholars discuss the purpose and activities of the legislative branch, and how it is designed to interact with the other two branches of government.
- Article II: Executive Power: Creating the Executive branch was a difficult task for the Founders. They knew they didn’t want a king, but what powers did a President and his staff rightfully need to execute and uphold the law? Episodes in this unit cover topics related to specific Presidential responsibilities and powers, as well as questions about who qualifies as an “Officer of the United States,” and the balance of power between the Executive and Legislative branches.
- Article III: Judicial Power: How do we define the judicial power? What is judicial review? Can the Supreme Court change the Constitution?
- Federalism: How did the Founders envision federalism? Why is it a crucial part of our Constitutional government? Is it still functioning today in the way it was intended? This unit covers basic questions about the need and demand for federalism, as well as more in-depth discussions of both historical and modern clashes between states and the federal government.
- Founders Constitution: These podcasts and videos explore the historical events and personal circumstances of the Founders who wrote the Constitution. What were some of the places and local priorities that shaped their viewpoints? How did they compromise when they disagreed on important issues like slavery? How did these decisions affect the antebellum generation and ignite the Civil War? If the Constitution was written by flawed men, did it create a flawed system?
Ready to dive in? Here are some videos from our Constitutional Law course to help you get started:
- What Were the Slaughter-House Cases?
- The Rational Basis Test
- Wickard v. Filburn: The Aggregation Principle & Congressional Power
- The 1787 Paradox: A Constitution Designed for Liberty that Protects Slavery
- Can a President Choose to Not Enforce the Law?
By enrolling in the course (for free!), you will also be added to our email list and stay informed about new content and updates related to constitutional law and its evolving role in American society.
Interested? Enroll Now!
The No. 86 Constitutional Law Course is a vital resource for law students who want to deepen their understanding of the U.S. Constitution, its interpretation, and its application in real-world legal practice. Enroll today to strengthen your knowledge of constitutional principles and prepare for your future legal career.