Casey Puerzer joined the Department of Political Science in 2026. He teaches courses in American politics (e.g., Constitutional Law, Liberal Democracy in America) as well as political theory (e.g., Quest for Justice). His research primarily concerns American federalism, state and local politics, and public law, though he has a longstanding interest in the relationship between baseball and American culture, especially instances of players campaigning on behalf of presidential candidates.
Currently, Puerzer is working on a book tentatively titled "Is All Politics Now National? Model Legislation and the Future of American Federalism."
Areas of Expertise
American federalism, state and local politics, public law, baseball and American culture
Education
— Bachelor of Arts from Sarah Lawrence College
Courses Recently Taught
This course explores the relationship between the individual and society as exemplified in the writings of political philosophers, statesmen, novelists and contemporary political writers. Questions about law, political obligation, freedom, equality and justice, and human nature are examined and illustrated. The course looks at different kinds of societies such as the ancient city, modern democracy and totalitarianism, and confronts contemporary issues such as race, culture and gender. The readings present diverse viewpoints and the sessions are conducted by discussion. The course is designed primarily for first-year students. Students enrolled in this course are automatically added to PSCI 102Y for the spring semester. Offered every fall.
This course explores the relationship between the individual and society as exemplified in the writings of political philosophers, statesmen, novelists and contemporary political writers. Questions about law, political obligation, freedom, equality and justice, and human nature are examined and illustrated. The course looks at different kinds of societies such as the ancient city, modern democracy and totalitarianism, and confronts contemporary issues such as race, culture and gender. The readings present diverse viewpoints, and the sessions are conducted by discussion. The course is designed primarily for first-year students. Offered every spring.
The course explores the guiding principles, major institutions, and national politics of the American political system. The Founders' view of liberal democracy and of the three branches of our government (presented in the "Federalist Papers") provides the basis for consideration of the modern Supreme Court, presidency, bureaucracy, Congress, news media, and political parties and elections. The course concludes with Tocqueville's broad overview of American democracy and its efforts to reconcile liberty and equality. The themes of the course are illustrated by references to current political issues, events, and personalities. This course is required for the major. This counts toward the politics, culture and society requirement for the American studies major. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or first-year students currently enrolled in PSCI 102Y. Offered every year.
This course explores basic issues in constitutional law relevant to the principles and problems of our liberal democracy. The focus is on cases devoted to the division of powers between the three branches of government, federalism, regulation of commerce, voting rights, and presidential war powers. We examine the historical development of the Supreme Court as jurisprudence in these areas of law and consider various methods of constitutional interpretation. This counts toward the American politics requirement for the major. No prerequisite. Sophomore standing.
