DBQ 1998

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 characterization of the two parties accurate during the presidencies of Jefferson and Madison?

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. The Jeffersonian Republicans were characterized as strict constructionists meaning that they had a strict following of the constitution, with the belief that this would allow honest representation of the people and prevent government corruption. The Federalists on the other hand, had a very broad or loose interpretation of the Constitution, with a firm belief of a strong central government. Although both parties were stereotyped as they were, I find these stereotypes to be inaccurate...