Which founding father is recognized as a strict interpreter of the Constitution?

Study for the AP Government and Politics Federalism Test. Analyze questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with our resources!

Thomas Jefferson is recognized as a strict interpreter of the Constitution primarily because he believed in a narrow interpretation of its powers. Jefferson argued that the federal government should only exercise powers that are explicitly granted in the Constitution. This perspective reflects his commitment to a limited government and his apprehensions about federal overreach. Jefferson's strict constructionist view was rooted in his belief in states' rights and the importance of individual liberties, helping shape the debate around constitutional interpretation in American political thought. His influence extended into the early years of the republic, as he often used this philosophy to challenge the expansion of federal power.

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