"Constructionism"

<p>What does it mean?</p>

<p>I'm doing a document based essay for AP US history, and the question goes like this... </p>

<p>"With respect to the federal Constitution, the Jeffersonian Republicans are usually characterized as strict constructionists who were opposed to the broad constructionism of the Federalists. To what extent was this characteristization of the two parties accurate during the presidencies of Jefferson and Madison?"</p>

<p>I'm not asking for you to tell me what to write about, but I have no idea what constructionism means, and I figured all of you people with 1500 SATs should know, so please... help me out.</p>

<p>opinions regarding the interpretation of the Constitution.</p>

<p>Strict constructionist: Interpret Constitution on a word-for-word basis.
Loose Constructionist: Interprets on a more flexible basis.</p>

<p>For example, Jefferson (strict constructionist) didn't want a National Bank because the Constitution made no specific mention of its purpose or ability to exist. Hamilton, on the other hand, argued that the "necessary and proper" clause in the Constitution allowed him to set up the bank even though it was never specifically mentioned.</p>

<p>Great, thank's vancat! that's big help :)</p>

<p>i need help in what direction to go for my political science paper. the question is how the supreme court interprets the constitution? where do i go with that. please some one help me out quickly!</p>

<p>No homework help on CC, guys. Bummer~</p>

<p>no help at all? that sucks, why wouldn't anybody be able to help you out? that's what i thought this was for? dang it</p>

<p>Jenna, just go to wikipedia and type in judicial activism for one search, and maybe Supreme court for another. This should at least give you the basics.</p>