Constitution Symposium

College of Arts and Sciences / Bachelor of Arts in Political Science / Constitution Symposium

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

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.

2023 CS Photo

“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 Constitutional 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.

Constitutional Studies students sit at a table presenting a panel discussion

“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

(a virtual lecture)

“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.

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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.

2022 – Constitution Day Speech

(a lecture sponsored by the Constitution Symposium)

"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

(a lecture sponsored by the Constitution Symposium)

“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

(a virtual lecture sponsored by the Constitution Symposium)

“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.

political science club

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