The Constitution Understood Essay - 686 Words

The Jeffersonian-Republicans are characterized by their strict interpretation of the constitution, in stark contrast with the Federalists loose or broad interpretation. The Federalists believed that anything the constitution did not forbid it permitted, contrary to the Jeffersonian view that anything it did not permit it forbade. The Federalists advocated the â€Å"necessary† and â€Å"proper† clause, and their faith rested heavily in the virtue of implied powers. The Jeffersonian party believed that all powers not specifically granted to the central government were reserved to the states, disregarding the implication of inferred powers. In the late 1700’s both Jefferson and Madison organized an opposition to Hamilton, a federalist. During†¦show more content†¦This is a direct reference to the supporters of the Federalist Party and its â€Å"loose† interpretation of the nation’s charter. In this statement Jefferson expresses a belief that t he Federalist Party is threatening the Union. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;One of the major aspects of the Federalist argument is that anything not forbade in the Constitution is permitted, while the Republicans commend the contrary. Jefferson displays his support for the latter, while speaking with, Presbyterian minister, Samuel Miller. Regarding the governments intermeddling in religious institutions he proclaims â€Å"no power to prescribe any religious exercise, or to assume authority in religious discipline, has been delegated to the general government† . This further shows his support of the states and their rights; he goes on to say â€Å"it must then rest with the states, as far as it can be in any human authority†¦Ã¢â‚¬  . nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;James Madison, as did Jefferson, supported states rights. Similar to the issue of government and religion, Madison in an address to congress vetoed an Internal Improvement Bill, based on the fact that this power is not granted in the constitution. He stated â€Å"the power to regulate commerce among the several states cannot include a power to construct roads and canals† . He continued in saying â€Å"that suchShow MoreRelatedConstitutional Interpretation Essay1012 Words   |  5 Pagesfrom â€Å"How to Read the Constitution† by Christopher Wolfe, and different source’s from Internet. I will start by giving what Wolfe says originalism is, and then I will give some background to other ways to interpret the constitution, and the founders and interpretation and I will finish up with my view on originalism and non-originalism and the critics to that. Wolfe on Originalism Wolfe says that originalism is a two-fold doctrine. First, it holds that the constitution is generally intelligibleRead MoreThe Constitution as a Controversial Document Essay701 Words   |  3 Pagesï » ¿ Why Was The Constitution A Controversial Document Even As It Was Being Written? Name: Institution: Date of submission: Why Was The Constitution A Controversial Document Even As It Was Being Written? Introduction The United States Constitution was written more than 200 years ago and it has been used as the foundation for the government. The constitution has been and still remains the most durable political agreement in the history of the world. Even though an inspiringRead MoreGeneral Welfare Essay1677 Words   |  7 Pagesto be part of the Constitution, and the debates about it after the Convention finished, and leading up to when the Supreme Court started to hear arguments over it [which is another entire discussion in itself]. 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Jefferson believedRead MoreDemocracy And Democracy908 Words   |  4 Pagesform the Founders intended for the American government and explain in what ways this nation has strayed from the original form of government created by its Founders. First, the meaning of and difference between a democracy and a republic must be understood. The word democracy, as defined by the Merriam Webster dictionary means â€Å"A government by the people, especially rule of the majority† (â€Å"Democracy†) Likewise, a democracy can be defined as â€Å"a form of government in which the people decide policyRead More Audrey Hofstadter Summary: The Founding Fathers: The Age of Realism 1580 Words   |  7 PagesAge of Realism Summary of Section: I The reasoning behind the Constitution of the United States is presented as based upon the philosophy of Hobbes and the religion of Calvin. It assumes the natural state of mankind in a state of war, and that the carnal mind is at enmity with God. Throughout, the struggle between democracy and tyranny is discussed as the Founding Fathers who envisioned the Constitution in Philadelphia in 1787 believed not in total democracy, but instead saw commonRead MoreAn Adaptable Constitution and Human Rights1637 Words   |  7 PagesUnitarily speaking, the political discourse that is associated with the United States Constitution is unsettling. The line drawn amongst what can be considered a right seems to fluctuate between obscurity and clarity. Although the fluctuation comes at a period of convenience, it is at whose expense that fluctuation comes, ought to be question. The United States Constitution and the term â€Å"rights† are politically, socially, and permanently engaged. Out of the political discourse of assessing what constitute