Constitution Symposium & Constitutional Studies

Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States by Howard Chandler Christy (1873-1952). Image source

The Political Science Program, in cooperation with university faculty, students, community leaders, and practitioners of law, education, and politics, hosts an annual symposium on the Constitution that examines the history of the constitutional founding period, issues about constitutional interpretation, the meaning of constitutional theory, and the practice of constitutional institutions. 

The purpose of the Constitution Symposium is to promote the practice of constitutional studies that creates an environment of thoughtful constitutional discourse at Bellarmine University. It is committed to the rational analysis, interpretation, discussion, and debate of American constitutional principles, history, and practice.  It is inspired by a vision of citizenship that is both fully dedicated to the American constitutional order and engaged in deliberation about the meaning of American constitutionalism.

The symposium fits within Bellarmine’s educational environment that is pledged to excellence in teaching and research, academic freedom in scholarship and the classroom, and open debate and deliberation. The symposium fulfills Bellarmine’s mission “to foster a thoughtful, informed consideration of serious ideas, values and issues.” An understanding of the constitutional system and its relationship to the larger political, philosophical, and historical traditions that shape our world helps cultivate the type of leadership, careers, and service that benefits the community and the nation. The symposium intends to immediately affect the students of the university and ultimately enlighten all members of the Bellarmine community about the ideas that form the foundation of American constitutional discourse.

"Constitutional Studies, operated within the Constitution Symposium series, has been a central part of my junior and senior years at Bellarmine. The opportunity to closely study an academic work on a topic related to the Constitution and join the author for a two-day panel series has been very impactful. Exchanging ideas with my peers and experts in the field has expanded my perspective on some topics while solidifying my confidence in our constitutional order and the impact of civil discourse. I would encourage any student who is interested in politics and the Constitution to participate in this program."  -- Emily Compton, Constitutional Studies Student, 2019 & 2020

"The Constitutional Studies course as well as attending the Constitution Symposium events in my junior and senior years at Bellarmine has allowed me to critically think about the Constitution – in terms of different methods of interpretation as well as the influence the Constitution has on the structure of our government – in ways that I had not been challenged to do in traditional pre-law courses at Bellarmine. It is truly a unique experience to delve deep into particular constitutional matters and to then get to discuss those ideas with your peers, Political Science professors, the author of the book you read throughout the semester, and with the greater Louisville community at the Constitution Symposium event. Furthermore, I did not expect this course to challenge my own perspective on the Constitution as much as it has; and I feel like these experiences have been invaluable to me as a Political Science and Pre-Law student. I would highly encourage any Bellarmine Student who is interested in profoundly exploring the written foundation of our government or any student considering a career in law to take advantage of the impactful and challenging opportunities available through the Constitutional Studies course and the Constitution Symposium events." --Allie Just, Constitutional Studies Student, 2019 & 2020

2024 –February Constitution Symposium 

“Washington's Heir: The Life of Justice Bushrod Washington”
Speaker: Gerard N. Magliocca, the Samuel R. Rosen Professor of Law, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law

Constitutional Studies Students
Students were chosen to assist with the 2024 Constitution Symposium and to do an independent study course on Constitutional Studies. They will be researching the 2024 Constitution Symposium topic. Students at the 2024 Constitution Symposium with Gerard Magliocca are (seated left to right): Ava Cook, Sarah K. Edelen, Madelyn R. Peters, Jeremy L. Scheller, and Cole Taylor.

“I had the privilege of being a student panelist at our annual Constitution Symposium. The opportunity to closely study the life of Justice Bushrod Washington and join the author of his first published biography in a two-day panel series was very rewarding. Reading Washington’s Heir and engaging in discussion with author Gerard N. Magliocca and the other panelists not only gave me insight into the workings of the early Supreme Court and Justice Washington’s contributions but also challenged me to think critically about the meaning of the Constitution and the complexities of constitutional interpretation. I was especially intrigued by how Washington’s relationship with Chief Justice John Marshall and access to President George Washington’s personal papers influenced his perspective on the Constitution and his approach to judicial decision-making. I am grateful to Bellarmine’s Political Science Program and the Jack Miller Center for making this event possible, and to Professor Magliocca for his presentation and insights.” – Mady Peters, Constitutional Studies Student

The 2024 Constitution Symposium is supported by the Jack Miller Center

2023 –February Constitution Symposium 

“Judicial Review, Political Ignorance, and Voting With Your Feet”
Speaker: Ilya Somin, Professor of Law at George Mason University

Constitutional Studies Students
Students were chosen to assist with the 2023 Constitution Symposium and to do an independent study course on Constitutional Studies. They will be researching the 2023 Constitution Symposium topic. Students at the 2023 Constitution Symposium with Ilya Somin are (seated left to right): Katy A. Williams-Duff, Addie Rogers, Rees C. Jobe, Blake A. Duncan, and Megan Burger.

“I think Professor Somin had incredibly insightful ideas that challenged listeners’ preconceived notions on migration and voting. He articulated his points well and was never doctrinaire, which is important. So, while he had a few conclusions I found myself in disagreement, I nevertheless understood his perspective and appreciated his insight. Dialogue like that is crucial, and that is why I really enjoy these events. They challenge students into thinking and engaging with new ideas with speakers that are very scholarly. Overall, this event was really special, and I am grateful to have been a part of it.” – Rees C. Jobe, Constitutional Studies Student

The 2023 Constitution Symposium is supported by the Jack Miller Center.

2022 –February Constitution Symposium 

“Equal Citizenship, Civil Rights, and the Constitution”
Speaker: Christopher R. Green, the Jamie L. Whitten Chair in Law and Government, University of Mississippi School of Law

Constitutional Studies Students
Students were chosen to assist with the 2022 Constitution Symposium and to do an independent study course on Constitutional Studies. They will be researching the 2022 Constitution Symposium topic.  Students at the 2022 Constitution Symposium with Dr. Green are (seated left to right): McKenley Butler, Jordan Butler, Olivia Atkinson, Molly Rovinski, Aubrey Kirchhoff, and Rhianna Clemons.

“Dr. Green’s talk at the 2022 Constitution Symposium offered valuable insights into the possible interpretations, and resulting applications, of the Privileges or Immunities Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. His analysis reached back into history to establish the interstate, as well as intrastate, quality of the Privileges or Immunities Clause. As such, it commands equality amongst citizens of the United States both within and amongst the several states. His interpretation has provided me with valuable insights into core legal decisions, such as Citizens United. Overall, his book and talk highlighted the importance of historical research in an originalist approach to the Constitution and demonstrated how one could perform their own analysis using this methodology.” – Aubrey Kirchhoff, Constitutional Studies Student, 2021 & 2022

The 2022 Constitution Symposium is supported by the Jack Miller Center.

2021 –February Constitution Symposium 

“Diverse Originalism”
Speaker: Christina Mulligan, Vice Dean & Professor of Law at Brooklyn Law School

Constitutional Studies Students
Students were chosen to assist with the 2021 Constitution Symposium and to do an independent study course on Constitutional Studies. They will be researching the 2021 Constitution Symposium topic.  2021 Constitutional Studies Students are: Olivia Atkinson, Rhianna Clemons, Aubrey Kirchhoff, and Molly Rovinski.

Above are the Constitutional Studies Students at the 2021 Constitution Symposium along with the speaker, Christina Mulligan, and Jenna Murnan, Political Science Club President and Symposium participant.

“This program has allowed me to look at the Constitution critically and carefully through a different lens.  It is not often that students get to exchange ideas with the author of the article you read.” – Rhianna Clemons, Constitutional Studies Student

The 2021 Constitution Symposium is supported by the Jack Miller Center.

2024 – Constitution Day Speech

                                                           

“Different Perspectives on the U.S. Constitution and the Law that One Will Encounter in Law School”
Speakers (from left to right above):

This event was supported by the Jack Miller Center.

“This year’s Constitution Day Speech, titled “Different Perspectives on the U.S. Constitution and the Law that One Will Encounter in Law School,” brought three recent Bellarmine alumni back to campus to preview and advise on areas of constitutional law that students can expect to learn in law school. First, Robert Ranney discussed the natural law theory of legal interpretation and argued for its resurgence so that the inadequacies of originalism, textualism, and common good constitutionalism can be mitigated. His lecture provided context on the history of common law and insights into the dysfunctionality of our current judicial landscape. Next, Allie Just discussed how students can better advocate to the justices who will hear their cases. She offered practical advice on the various schools of judicial interpretation that judges may hold. Finally, Jillian Sauer discussed the differences and similarities between Kentucky’s Constitution and the United States Constitution. Her breakdown of the Kentucky Constitution shined a light on Kentucky’s unique legal tradition, which protects individual rights more fiercely than our federal legal tradition. Their lectures were followed by a Q&A where the panelists gave practical advice on excelling in undergraduate courses, applying to law school, succeeding in law school, and getting jobs in the legal field post-graduation. As a future law student myself, I found their advice encouraging, candid, and helpful. Further, their lectures were insightful and covered areas of the legal field I had not previously delved into.” – Norah Wulkopf, Constitutional Studies Student

2023 – Constitution Day Speech

“From the Mountains to the Suburbs: Sacred Spaces Under Religious Liberty Law”
Speaker: David C. Scott, Assistant Professor of Philosophy & Director of the Pre-Law Program, Bellarmine University

This event was supported by the Jack Miller Center.

“To anyone who sought to understand how the delicate topics between freedom of religion and government interest intersect, Dr. Scott’s Constitution Day Lecture, “From the Mountains to the Suburbs: Sacred Spaces Under Religious Liberty Law”, provided valuable insights into how the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment and supporting federal legislation has been interpreted in the past 150 years of our history. Dr. Scott helped untangle the history of the Supreme Court and other federal courts’ opinions over the rights that people, especially Native American Tribes, have to certain lands and customs. He explored how the courts have changed their interpretations regarding religious liberty, from generally upholding the right to practice deeply held religious beliefs on education in Wisconsin v. Yoder, to possibly allowing for irreplaceable sacred sites to be destroyed in Apache Stronghold v. United States. Throughout this exploration, Dr. Scott showed the dance played by Congress and the courts on the question of scrutiny and the definition of free exercise, burden, and compelling interest in regard to religious liberty and government action. He brought to the forefront a powerful reminder that even a sacrosanct part of our Constitution, religious liberty, is still an exercise of debate and interpretation, and there is great interest to be found in a topic many might otherwise find dry.” -- Jeremy Scheller, Constitutional Studies Student

2022 – Constitution Day Speech

"Constraining Leviathan: Ideology and Constitutional Political Economy"
Speaker: Abigail R. Hall Blanco, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Tampa

This event was supported by the Jack Miller Center.

“Dr. Blanco explained how in times of crisis the U.S. government increases in size and influence and even after the crisis has passed maintains its self-appointed power. She also explained the rules and limits the citizens of the United States place on their government, as many people want the government to protect their rights but not go too far as to constrain or infringe upon them. This topic is of great importance as we continue to navigate a pandemic and the great debate between those who want to expand governmental powers and those who want to limit government interference. Constitution Day 2022 served as a reminder of the choices we have on constraining governmental power while also balancing government and constitutional decisions.” -- Sarah Edelen, Political Science Major & Criminal Justice Studies Major

2021 – Constitution Day Speech

“Is Constitution Day Worth Celebrating?”
Speaker: Evan Bernick, Assistant Professor, Northern Illinois University College of Law

This event was supported by the Jack Miller Center.

"Professor Bernick gave a well-crafted argument about the importance of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments.  The Constitution of 1787, while essential for the future development of the abolitionist movement, did not guarantee equal protection under the law for all citizens. His originalist argument stems from the Supreme Court’s refusal to follow the original meaning and purpose of the three amendments.  Professor Bernick also provided a clever thought experiment on what could have happened had the slave power inside the federal government not been weakened. My group lunch with him was enlightening but casual. He is quite approachable and enjoys thought-provoking questions on the subject of law.” -- Blake Duncan, History Major & Political Science Minor

2020 – Constitution Day Speech

“The Second Founding: An Introduction to the Fourteenth Amendment”
Speaker: Ilan Wurman, Associate Professor of Law, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University

This event was supported by the Jack Miller Center.

"Ilan Wurman’s Constitution Day presentation focused on the subject of the Fourteenth Amendment. This lecture was educational, but also an interesting subject to focus on during a time that is heavily focused on civil rights. Wurman was an articulate and knowledgeable guest speaker. His presentation was on the topic of a debate I had never heard of or learned anything about. The interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment in the lens of an originalist versus one who sees the Constitution as a living document results in different implementations of the amendment. Wurman did an excellent job of establishing the conflict between the two styles of interpreting the amendment and then explaining his perspective."  -- Megan Burger, Political Science Major

Past February Constitution Symposiums

2020 – Liberty and the Constitution

Speaker: Frank J. Colucci, Associate Professor of Political Science, Purdue University Northwest

Constitutional Studies Students
Students were chosen to assist with the 2020 Constitution Symposium and to do an independent study course on Constitutional Studies. They will be researching the 2020 Constitution Symposium topic. Constitutional Studies Students at the 2020 Constitution Symposium (seated left to right): Ethan Morris, Jillian Sauer, Emily Compton, and Allie Just.

The 2020 Constitution Symposium is supported by the Jack Miller Center.

2019 — Originalism’s Promise: A Natural Law Account of the American Constitution

Speaker: Lee J. Strang, Visiting Fellow, James Madison Program at Princeton University and the John W. Stoepler Professor of Law & Values, University of Toledo College of Law

Constitutional Studies Students
These students were chosen to assist with the 2019 Constitution Symposium and to do an independent study course on Constitutional Studies. They will be researching the 2019 Constitution Symposium topic. Constitutional Studies Students at the 2019 Constitution Symposium (seated left to right): Robert Ranney, Kayla Martin, Emily Compton, and Allie Just.

2018 – Madison’s Constitution in a Partisan Era

Panelists:

• Jordan Harris, Co-Executive Director of Pegasus Institute, Louisville, Kentucky
• Josh Crawford, Co-Executive Director of Pegasus Institute, Louisville, Kentucky

2017 – Hamilton: An American Musical - Culture, Politics, Education, and History

Panelists:

• Bethany Morse, Librarian, Oldham County Public Library and Bellarmine University Alumna
• Tara E. Anderson, Contributing Editor, 89.3 WFPL, Louisville, Kentucky
• Janelle Hunnicut, Co-Artistic Director, Smoked Apple Theater Group, Louisville, Kentucky
• Eugene J. Halus, Jr., Director of Education, Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

2016 – The Will of the People, the Will of the People’s Agents, or the Will of Judges: Reflections on Recent Constitutional Interpretations

Speaker: William E. Thro, General Counsel, University of Kentucky, Adjunct Professor, University of Kentucky College of Law

2015 – The President’s Executive Power: When is it Constitutional?

Panelists:

• Lee R. Remington, Associate Professor of Political Science, Bellarmine University
• Jane Lollis, Attorney at Law, Louisville, Kentucky
• Trent C. Apple, Attorney at Law and Educator, Louisville, Kentucky
• Paul E. Salamanca, Professor of Law, University of Kentucky

2014 – The U.S. Constitution: Foundations and Controversies

Panelists:

• Evanthia Speliotis, Professor of Philosophy, Bellarmine University
• Lee R. Remington, Associate Professor of Political Science, Bellarmine University
• Jane Lollis, Attorney at Law, Louisville, Kentucky 
• Cedric Merlin Powell, Professor of Law, University of Louisville
• Paul E. Salamanca, Professor of Law, University of Kentucky

Constitution Symposium Resources

For those who were not able to attend our past events, below is a list of resources.

Constitutional Perspectives

• Human Rights: Fact or Fancy? by Henry B. Veatch

• The Kentucky Constitution: Text and History by Aaron J. Silletto

Fundamental Rights

• Washington's Heir: The Life of Justice Bushrod Washington by Gerard N. Magliocca

• The Heart of the Constitution: How the Bill of Rights became the Bill of Rights by Gerard N. Magliocca

Religious Liberty 

• “Rethinking Protections For Indigenous Sacred Sites” by Stephanie Hall Barclay and Michalyn Steele in Harvard Law Review

• “Protecting Free Exercise under Smith and after Smith” by Douglas Laycock and Thomas C. Berg in Cato Supreme Court Review

Democracy and Foot Voting

• Free to Move: Foot Voting, Migration, and Political Freedom by Ilya Somin
• Democracy and Political Ignorance: Why Smaller Government is Smarter by Ilya Somin

Constitutional Constraints

• The Essential James Buchanan by Donald J. Boudreaux and Randall G. Holcombe
• First Principles: What America's Founders Learned from the Greeks and Romans and How That Shaped Our Country by Thomas E. Ricks

Equality and the Constitution

• Equal Citizenship, Civil Rights, and the Constitution: The Original Sense of the Privileges or Immunities Clause by Christopher Green
• The Reconstruction Amendments: The Essential Documents, Volume 1 & Volume 2 edited by Kurt T. Lash

Constitution Day Values

• The Original Meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment: Its Letter and Spirit by Randy E. Barnett and Evan D. Bernick

Diverse Originalism     

• “Diverse Originalism” by Christina Mulligan in University of Pennsylvania Journal of Constitutional Law
• A Debt Against the Living: An Introduction to Originalism by Ilan Wurman
• Constitutional Redemption: Political Faith in an Unjust World by Jack M. Balkin

Fourteenth Amendment Meaning

• The Second Founding: An Introduction to the Fourteenth Amendment by Ilan Wurman

Liberty Debates

• Justice Kennedy's Jurisprudence: The Full and Necessary Meaning of Liberty by Frank J. Colucci
• A More or Less Perfect Union, A Personal Exploration by Judge Douglas Ginsburg (documentary)
• Legality by Scott J. Shapiro

Natural Law Constitutionalism

• Originalism's Promise: A Natural Law Account of the American Constitution by Lee J. Strang

James Madison’s Constitutionalism

• The Accessible Federalist: A Modern English Translation of 16 Key Federalist Papers Adapted, with Introduction, by S. Adam Seagrave

Alexander Hamilton

• Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
• Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin-Manuel Miranda & Jeremy McCarter

Constitutional Interpretations

• Cosmic Constitutional Theory: Why Americans Are Losing Their Inalienable Right to Self-Governance by J. Harvie Wilkinson III

Executive Power

• Executive Privilege: Presidential Power, Secrecy, and Accountability (Revised, Updated Edition) by Mark J. Rozell & Mitchel A. Sollenberger

Constitutional Foundations and Controversies

• America's Constitution: A Biography by Akhil Reed Amar
• Our Republican Constitution: Securing the Liberty and Sovereignty of We the People by Randy E. Barnett

Constitution Symposiums Supporters

Alexander Hamilton Historical Society of Kentucky

Jack Miller Center