Strict Constructionists Dbq Analysis

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In the early stages of American government in the period of 1801 to 1817, there were two political parties, the Jeffersonian Republicans and the Federalists. The Jeffersonian Republicans were very strict constructionists while the Federalists were more open constructionists. While both of the parties tried to stick to their beliefs, like the Jeffersonian party vetoing bills that were considered unconstitutional, they tended to go against their views to satisfy the needs of the nation, such as creating tariffs. Jefferson and Madison were both Jeffersonian Republicans. During the presidencies of these two men, the Jeffersonian Republicans, at times, were accurate to their characteristics. They tended to be strict constructionists sticking to the constitution. In Thomas Jefferson’s letter to Gideon Granger, 13 August 1800 (Doc A), Jefferson talked …show more content…

This is a strong example of strict constructionism because it shows they wanted to follow the constitution. When Jefferson wrote to Samuel Miller, a Presbyterian minister, 23 January 1808 (Doc B), he claimed to support religious freedom. Religious freedom is a right established in the constitution so this is yet again another act of strict constructionism. Another example of this strict constructionists attitude is Madison’s message to congress vetoing an Internal Improvements Bill, March 1817 (Doc H). In this message Madison claimed there is no need for this bill to be passed and there is nowhere in the constitution where they are granted power to do so. Because he vetoed the bill it shows he maintained a strict interpretation of the constitution. Even though the Jeffersonian Republican party

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