Insights on Law & Society: Political Campaigns and the Constitution

Volume 13, no. 1, Fall 2012

This 32-page issue of Insights includes:

Picking the President

By Dewey Clayton

The U.S. Constitution outlines just three requirements for the presidency, but is that all?

It also establishes a broad framework for the presidency and presidential elections.

Paradoxes of Political Parties in American Constitutional Development

By Richard J. Hardy

Political parties in the United States shape elections, government, and society—without any mention in the Constitution.

The Wiring of the President: Technology and the Democratization of U.S. Political Campaigns

By Nancy Scola

The 2012 campaign will be the most high-tech campaign in U.S. history, but what does it mean for voters?

Teaching Legal Docs: How to Read a U.S. Supreme Court Opinion

A step-by-step guide to reading and understanding U.S. Supreme Court opinions.

Perspectives: How Are Super PACs Reshaping the Political Landscape?

Election 2012 will be defined by its connection to Super PACs. What does it mean? Experts weigh in.

Law Review: Direct Election of Senators?

The 17th Amendment turns 100 years old in 2013.

Profile: What if Jefferson and Adams Ran Attack Ads?

Patrick Spero and his students at Williams College are approaching historic political campaigns in entirely futuristic ways.

Learning Gateways: Electing a President

Using a political cartoon, engage students in a discussion about the need for reform of the Electoral College. Also, use primary source documents with students to explore the role of their state in the electoral process.

Learning Gateways: Regulating Political Parties in Your State

Lead students on an exploration of laws that govern political parties in their state, and examine how their state’s political parties influence the national political landscape.

Learning Gateways: Digital Media and Political Campaigns

Build students’ web and civic literacy by asking them to compare websites from political candidates at all levels of government in order to assess how digital media is being used to influence the electoral process.