Undergraduate Minor

Nothing has done more for justice in the modern world than the development of the rule of law under constitutional principles. But, for constitutional governments to secure the common good, thoughtful and educated citizens must possess certain virtues; they must understand and be able to implement, defend, and, if need be, reform constitutional institutions. The Constitutional Studies minor seeks to nurture such citizens, thereby contributing to the University’s mission to pursue truth and to nurture a concern for the common good that will bear fruit as learning becomes service to justice.

What will I learn in Constitutional Studies?

Building on courses across the College of Arts and Letters, the Potenziani minor in Constitutional Studies is designed to encourage students to confront fundamental questions concerning justice, the rule of law, and human flourishing. From a variety of historical, cultural, disciplinary, and philosophical perspectives, constitutional studies courses ask questions such as:

• What is a just regime? Is there a best regime? Who ought to rule?
• What is the relationship between Catholicism and constitutionalism? How does the Catholic intellectual tradition inform and deepen our understanding of constitutionalism and the common good?
• What is the proper relationship between government and civil society, between law and moral principles?
• What are the philosophical foundations of human rights and constitutional democracy?
• What principles of justice can or should lie at the foundation of a constitutional republic?
• What are the proper relationships between church and state and religion and politics, and how do these relationships reflect the more basic relationship between faith and reason?
• What are the moral, social, and political conditions necessary to sustain America’s experiment in constitutional government?
• What is the nature of international law and how are international norms created and maintained?

Requirements Courses

How to get started in Constitutional Studies

Students interested in adding the minor should book an appointment with Dr. Deborah O'Malley here.

Additional opportunities for minors

Constitutional Studies minors are encouraged to continue their education over the summers, during study abroad semesters, and in post-graduate life. Check out our list of opportunities to find internships, jobs, and fellowships that might be of interest. The Center also has limited funding available to support student activities. To apply for funding, please complete this form.