American Institutions I Workshop
Designed for teachers participating in our American Institutions workshops, this page provides access to the reader, companion podcast episodes, and Civic Literacy Curriculum resources that explore how the Constitution structures power in American government.
Through primary sources, Supreme Court decisions, and constitutional debates, participants will examine federalism, separation of powers, and judicial review.
Civic Literacy Curriculum Connections
Civic Literacy Curriculum Connections
This workshop aligns with the Center for American Civics' Civic Literacy Curriculum and supports instruction on constitutional government, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and judicial review.
Explore the Full Civic Literacy Curriculum
This workshop supports Civic Literacy Curriculum instruction on constitutional government, federalism, separation of powers, judicial review, and constitutional interpretation.
Key Curriculum Topics
- Federalism and Enumerated Powers
- Necessary and Proper Clause
- Commerce Clause
- Separation of Powers
- Checks and Balances
- Executive Power
- Judicial Review
- Constitutional Interpretation
- Marbury v. Madison
- The Supreme Court
Part 1: Federalism
Essential Question
How should power be divided between the national government and the states?
Federalism is one of the Constitution's most important structural principles. These readings explore competing views of national and state power from the Founding through the twentieth century and into modern Supreme Court jurisprudence.
Featured Texts
- Federalist Nos. 32, 39, 45, 51, and 62
- Brutus No. 1
- Federalist No. 44
- Franklin Roosevelt on Federalism
- Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States
- Wickard v. Filburn
- U.S. v. Lopez
Podcast Companions
Federalism: Why America Divides Power Between States and the Nation
The Necessary and Proper Clause
The Commerce Clause: Why Congress Regulates More Than You Think
Part 2: Separation of Powers
Essential Question
How does the Constitution prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful?
The Constitution separates legislative, executive, and judicial authority while also providing mechanisms for each branch to check the others.
Featured Texts
- Federalist No. 37
- Federalist No. 47
- Federalist No. 48
- Federalist No. 70
- Pacificus-Helvidius Debates
Podcast Companions
Part 3: Judicial Review
Essential Question
Who has the final authority to interpret the Constitution?
This section explores competing views of constitutional interpretation, the rise of judicial review, and debates over the proper role of courts in American government.
Featured Texts
- James Wilson, State House Yard Speech
- Brutus Nos. 2, 11, 12, and 15
- Federalist Nos. 78 and 81
- James Madison on Constitutional Interpretation
- Marbury v. Madison
- Thomas Jefferson on Departmentalism
- Abraham Lincoln on the Dred Scott Decision
- Stephen A. Douglas on the Dred Scott Decision
Podcast Companions
Federalist 78 and Judicial Independence