Who among the founding fathers was known as a loose 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!

The founding father known as a loose interpreter of the Constitution is Alexander Hamilton. He advocated for a flexible interpretation of the Constitution, believing that the government should have the power to take actions not explicitly outlined in the Constitution, as long as those actions were in the interest of the nation and did not violate its core principles. This perspective allowed for a broader scope of federal power, facilitating the creation of a national bank and other federal institutions that were not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.

Hamilton's perspective contrasts with the strict interpretation approach favored by some of his contemporaries, particularly Thomas Jefferson, who believed that the government should only exercise powers that were clearly enumerated in the Constitution. This debate over the interpretation of the Constitution significantly shaped the political landscape in the early years of the United States, leading to the formation of the first political parties and a foundational discussion about the balance of power between state and federal authority.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy