Constitutional Law-
Functions of the Constitution Provides the Structure of Government Establishes Federalism Provides for the Regulation of Business Protects Individual Liberties –Bill of Rights –Due Process –Equal Protection
Structure of Government –Legislative Branch –Executive Branch –Judicial Branch Separation of Powers
Federalism Refers to the allocation of power between the federal and state governments –Federal government - Enumerated Powers –State Government - Everything else (10th Amendment and Police Powers) –In the event of conflict, which one wins and why?
Commerce Clause “Congress has power... To regulate Commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes...” –Article I, §8 –how does this both empower and limit the federal and state governments?
Commerce Clause Across state lines Affectation Doctrine
Protection of Individual Liberties Bill of Rights –First ten amendments to the Constitution
Due Process/ Equal Protection
Due Process Procedural –notice and a hearing Substantive –government cannot interfere with fundamental rights
Equal Protection Does government action result in discrimination against a class of persons?