It means that the federal government should apply only what is written in the Constitution and in the way that it is written. There would be no searching for hidden meanings or anything similar.
Strict construction is the term used to describe limiting the federal government to powers specifically listed in the Constitution
Explanation
A constitution is a legal document which is composed of principles and laws of a nation,a group or state. It determines the powers and duties of the government and also gives rights to the people.
Strict construction this in the constitution means it is narrowed in a manner that you cannot go beyond limits. It is limited in a way such that the constitution is based in a narrow definition without references. The strict constructionism has a particular legal restriction that limits and restricts judicial interpretation. This situation limited the federal government powers
