Strict vs. Loose Interpretation of the Constitution

In the early years of the United States, the Jeffersonian Republicans were generally characterized as strict interpreters of the constitution. They were viewed as following the doctrine of the Tenth Amendment, stating that all powers not delegated or prohibited by the federal government were reserved to the states. In contrast to this was the Federalist Party, which was characterized as loose interpreters of the constitution. They were viewed as allowing the power of the national government to be “stretched” by the elastic clause that allowed the national government to make “all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers”. Despite the popular characterizations, these political party’s interpretations of the Constitution were largely based upon the politics, conditions, and needs inside the country. Their interpretation of the Constitution worked toward their benefit too often for it to be pure coincidence.
Before Thom...