Faculty and Staff Profile

Stephen Phillips

Educational Background

Ph.D. Political Science
University of Florida 2021

M.A. Political Science
University of Central Florida 2014

B.A. Political Science
University of Central Florida 2012

Courses Taught

POSC 1010, American National Government
POSC 4370, American Constitutional Law: Rights and Liberties
POSC 4390, Religious Liberty and the U.S. Constitution
POSC 4420, Political Parties and Elections

Profile

Stephen C. Phillips is a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Clemson University. He serves as a Teagle Fellow and faculty adviser for Pi Sigma Alpha, and teaches national government, parties and elections, and public law courses. Stephen’s research interests include American political and constitutional development, with a focus on public law, public policy, and political strategy. Prior to earning his doctorate from the University of Florida, Stephen worked on federal political campaigns as well as for a local affiliate of the AFL-CIO.

Research Interests

Stephen's research agenda is driven by trying to understand the connections between political strategy and the evolving framework of American democracy. He is particularly interested in how policy entrepreneurs provoke institutional, ideational, and policy development, as well as changes in elite behavior.

Research Publications

Stephen C. Phillips, Alex P. Smith, and Peter R. Licari. 2022. “Philadelphia reconsidered:
participant curation, the Gerry Committee, and US constitutional design.” Public Choice 490(3):
407–26.

Alex P. Smith and Stephen C. Phillips. 2021. “Ways and Means: Teaching Political Strategy and
Heresthetic by Simulating the Budget Process.” Journal of Political Science Education 17(S1): 93–103.

Honors and Awards

James W. Button Memorial Award, University of Florida, 2021
H. Douglas Price Award, University of Florida, 2017