Jeffersonian Republicans Vs. Madison Administratoin Essay, Research Paper

In the time period between 1801 and 1817 the Jeffersonian Republicans were regarded as strict constructionists however this political party made many decisions that were characterized as broad constructionism. The Federalists who were characterized as broad constructionism also abandoned their method of interpreting the constitution more than once and interpreted the constitution quite strictly. Although both these parties mostly stuck to their ways of looking at the constitution both did stray away at sometime and look at the constitution in a different way.

As mentioned above and proved in document A, Jefferson was for the most part a strict constructionist. As stated in document A Jefferson notes that if the were to interpret the constitution in a broad way that the government would become like a monarchy by being able to look at the constitution as it would suit the person looking at it. At some points he did however view the constitution in a broad or loose way. Take document G for example. Document G states, That laws and institutions must go hand and hand with the progress of the human mind . Institutions must advance also and keep pace with the change in the times. Jefferson stated this July 12, 1816. This obviously shows that Jefferson began to favor the broad constructionism of the Federalists.

Madison was known for their broad or loose constructionism of the US constitution. Many people did not approve of this because it gave whoever the president was the power to bend the laws of the constitution to their standard. Madison as it turned out however did at some points stick to the strict constructionism that the Jeffersonian Republicans held so dearly. As written in document H at the end of Madison s administration, Madison writes, But seeing that such a power is not expressively given to the Constitution, and believing that it can not be deduced from any part of if it without an inadmissible latitudes of construction and a reliance on insufficient procedures .I have no option but to withhold my signature from it This document shows that when convenient for Madison strict constructionism was implemented.

As the Jeffersonian Republicans were regarded as strict constructionists this political party did make many decisions that were characterized as broad constructionism. The Federalists who were characterized as broad constructionism also interpreted the constitution quite strictly when it worked out in the best interest of them. As Madison and Jefferson may have appeared to stick to their guns they changed their ways of looking at the constitution whenever it was convenient for them.