DBQ 2 STRICT loose Constructionist
- This is a preview of the essay.
To view the full text you must login!
With respect to the federal Constitution, the Jeffersonian Republicans are usually characterized as strict followers of the Constitution and opposed the broad constructionist views of Federalist presidents such as George Washington and John Adams. In the time frame of 1801-1817, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, the Republican presidents of the time demonstrated the differences of the Republican Party in several aspects involving the interpretation of the Constitution.
Thomas Jefferson party leader of the Democratic-Republicans shaped the party and held the presidency from1801 to 1809. Thomas Jefferson began his political career with very strict constructionist views. Alexander Hamilton's economic program seemed a total waste to Thomas Jefferson when he first saw it. However when elected to office he only changed two components of Hamilton's program, one of which was for the better. Jefferson increased the Whiskey tax and only revoked the tariff. Another example of his strict views is illustrated in his letter to Gideon Granger in 1800 where he states that the constitution should be preserved. Jefferson is seen trying on the Federalist's cloak when he purchases the Louisiana Territory. Congress allotted Jefferson two million dollars to purchase the port of New Orleans from Napoleon...