The purpose of this course is to discuss the philosophical foundation of the American political system. The course will focus extensively on the U.S. Constitution of 1787. (1) We will begin by discussing the history, theory, and writings that influenced the construction of the Constitution. Our goal is to come to a better understanding of the document as a whole as well as the intent of the Framers. (2) In effort to illustrate the theory behind the Constitution, we will focus heavily on those concepts which are central to American Political Theory, including liberty, equality, separation of powers, representation, federalism, and constitutionalism. Here we will devote much discussion to the documents itself, focusing on each branch of government, the powers afforded to each governmental branch, the role of each branch in the political system, and the amendments. This section will draw extensively on The Federalist. (3) We will critically evaluate the Constitution by focusing on the arguments of the Anti-Federalists and John Calhoun. More specifically, we will try to determine whether the merits of these arguments in light of the concepts and theories we have already established. (4) We will conclude by evaluating the Constitution in terms of those values we hold essential to democratic government, the intentions of the Founders, and the future of the country.