Construction Of The Constitution Strict And Liberal Chart
The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It was written in 1787 and has been amended 27 times. The Constitution is the backbone of the American democracy and the most important document in the history of the United States.
Strict Constructionism
Strict constructionism is an approach to interpreting the Constitution that emphasizes the text of the Constitution and the original intent of the framers. This approach holds that the Constitution should be interpreted narrowly and that the federal government should have limited powers.
Those who support strict constructionism argue that the Constitution should be interpreted as it was understood by the framers at the time it was written. This means that the meaning of the Constitution should be based on the language used in the text, and that the framers' intent should be considered when interpreting the document.
Strict constructionists believe that the federal government should have limited powers and that the states should have more power. They argue that the Constitution was written to protect individual rights and limit the power of the federal government.
Liberal Constructionism
Liberal constructionism is an approach to interpreting the Constitution that emphasizes the flexibility of the Constitution and the need to adapt it to changing circumstances. This approach holds that the Constitution should be interpreted broadly and that the federal government should have more powers.
Those who support liberal constructionism argue that the Constitution should be interpreted in light of modern values and social realities. This means that the meaning of the Constitution should be based on the principles and values it embodies, and that the framers' intent is less important than the values that the Constitution promotes.
Liberal constructionists believe that the federal government should have more power to address social and economic issues. They argue that the Constitution was written to promote the general welfare and to provide for the common defense, and that the federal government should have the power to address these issues.
Interpreting The Constitution
Interpreting the Constitution is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of the document and the principles it embodies. The Constitution is a living document that has been interpreted in different ways throughout history.
The Supreme Court is responsible for interpreting the Constitution and deciding whether laws and actions are constitutional. The Court has the power of judicial review, which allows it to strike down laws and actions that are inconsistent with the Constitution.
The Supreme Court has used both strict and liberal constructionism in its interpretation of the Constitution. In some cases, the Court has favored a strict interpretation, while in other cases it has favored a more liberal interpretation.
Conclusion
The debate between strict and liberal constructionism is ongoing, and will continue to shape the way the Constitution is interpreted and applied. Both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses, and both have played an important role in the development of American democracy.
Ultimately, the interpretation of the Constitution is a matter of debate and discussion, and requires a deep understanding of the document and the principles it embodies. The Constitution is a living document that will continue to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances, and its interpretation will continue to be a subject of debate and discussion for generations to come.
