The Short Course: Constitutional Philosophy, Structure and its Application 1. Declaration of Independence: Natural Rights and the Social Contract 2. The Constitution of 1787: Powers Described 3. The Bill of Rights (1791): Limited the Federal Government 4. The Post Civil War Amendments (13-14-15): 14th Amendment Extends the Limits to State Governments 5. The 2nd Amendment: DC v Heller; McDonald v. Chicago. NYT Heller