High School Constitutional Law

Our once great Republic is being destroyed from within due to a lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). We suffer from a debilitating lack of knowledge and understanding of our founding documents, the rule of law, and the biblical purpose and scope of civil government. An astounding portion of our citizenry (sadly including the Church) have not been trained in the basics of how our government is supposed to work under the United States Constitution. The times in which we live make it imperative that young and old alike learn how our government is supposed to function under the Federal Constitution. For those that claim Christ, the bar is even higher. The Bible commands those that claim Christ to take “every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:5). Unfortunately, for far too many Christians today, the workings of civil government is an afterthought, if even a thought at all (see The Question That Needs an Answer on the Home page).

This course although entitled Constitutional Law is much more that this. The course is not designed only for those pursuing future aspirations in law. As a matter of fact, only a small percentage that have taken this course have gone that route...the purpose of this course is more about training young believers in the biblical worldview of civil government and the rule of law (something our churches ought to be doing). The course helps break down fears to what can be an intimidating subject but was never meant to be and make understanding the original intent, designs, and workings of the worlds greatest governing document and make it accessible to everyone including young people. I believe the preservation of our Republic ultimately depends on citizens who know enough to demand fidelity to our governing document and the rule of law.

Our primary textbook for the entire course is "Constitutional Law for Enlightened Citizens" by Michael Farris, former President and Chief Legal Counsel Alliance Defending Freedom and co founder of Home School Legal Defense Association. Along with this text we add a history component at the beginning of the course before getting into any of the actual Constitutional Law case studies. I have taught the course to home school students for the last 24 years to almost 300 students and offer this course every year for 10th – 12th graders. The course is designed to give young believers a solid foundation on many issues facing citizens today, but even more important it will provide a solid Christian worldview foundation for the purpose of civil government and the rule of law. The course covers the history of the U.S. Constitution and 30 specific Supreme Court cases including Roe v. Wade and it's overturn in Dobbs. Typically, we also take a trip in the March / April time frame to the South Carolina Supreme Court to observe oral argument in actual appellate cases and to the Statehouse to observe the SC General Assembly in session.

The course runs two semesters (the entire school year) and students are required to purchase their own textbook (2nd Edition "Constitutional Law for Enlightened Citizens). Students will be required to write two "Position Papers" during the course defending their position on a case or Constitutional issue. This course will require effort on the part of the student and I will take the students through the material step by step, week by week. All that is required is for your student to be willing to work hard and they will have no problem at all and will be well versed in how our government is supposed to work under the Constitution and the Rule of Law. Throughout the course, we connect the dots between what they are studying/learning and the biblical worldview.

The course is taught on Thursday evenings from 5:00 PM – 6:45 PM and runs from the first Thursday in Sept – to the first Thursday in May (approx 32 weeks). The cost is $350 for the year. That said, I also do this course as calling to train young people to engage for Christ in the kingdom of men. If the course fee is a hardship, discuss with me one on one and I will work with you and/or provide a scholarship if necessary. I don't want anyone to not be able to take the course due to financial hardship.

If you have a 10th – 12th grader (must be at least age 16) that you would like to see take this course, please read over the Course Syllabus in the Course Resources section below. After looking over the syllabus, download the Parent/Student course questionnaire, fill it out, scan it, and return it to me. I will then contact you. If you have any questions at all about the course, contact me via my contact page with "Constitutional Law Course" as the subject line.