Strict vs. Loose Constructionists
Strict Constructionists are people who believe that the people of the United States should follow exactly what was stated and allowed in the US Constitution by the original framers
A Loose Constructionist believes that people in the US may take whatever action necessary or wanted, as long as the US Constitution does not specifically say you cannot do a particular thing or action.
A Note from Thomas Jefferson
“I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions, but laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change. With the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regime of their barbarous ancestors.”
Source: Jefferson Memorial Washington, District of Columbia
1. Also, many scholars have described Thomas Jefferson as a Strict Constructionist, based on the excerpts from the Jefferson Memorial, would you agree and state your reasoning?
2. Are you a Strict or Loose Constructionist?
3. Would you agree that Thomas Jefferson was a Strict Constructionist. State your reasoning.