In creating what James Madison referred to as a “compound republic,” the framers of the U.S. Constitution established a political system that was bound to generate collisions between state and federal governments. This seminar will analyze disputes about the extent of federal and state authority throughout American history, beginning with debates between Federalists and anti-Federalists during ratification of the Constitution, and then exploring leading episodes when state officials challenged federal authority in the early American Republic, and then analyzing various conflicts regarding the balance of state and federal power in the contemporary era.

This program will be conducted as a discussion, utilizing primary source documents as the only readings, and with the Discussion Leader facilitating the conversation, instead of lecturing or presenting. Registrants, therefore, are highly encouraged to read all the documents in advance and come ready with questions. Teachers will receive a Letter of Attendance at the conclusion of the seminar.