Separation of Powers: Theory, Doctrine, and Practice

3 credits · Undergraduate

Political philosophers have long posited that the powers of the state should be divided into different institutions. The course begins by surveying foundational theories of division of state authority, culminating in theories that inspired the framers of the U.S. Constitution. It then considers the extent to which contemporary constitutional doctrines of separation of powers reflect these theories. Finally, the course engages contemporary work in political science which describes the dynamics among the branches of government in practice. The course aims to provide an understanding of the goals of separating governmental powers and an appreciation of the ways in which our current doctrines and institutions do and do not achieve those goals. Prerequisite/Corequisite: ULAW 1000. [3]