Question

A strict constructionist would interpret the Constitution _____.

Answer 1

C) exactly as it was written in the text

Answer 2

The correct answer is C. A strict constructionist would interpret the Constitution exactly as it was written in the text.

Strict constructionism refers to a particular way of interpreting the Constitution and the laws of the United States. When used in a legal environment, it means that a judge must interpret the text as written, and not draw any consequence from it. Sometimes it is confused with "originalism," strict constructionism concentrates more on the text and less on the times when it was written. Its opposite, the broad interpretation of the Constitution, infers Congress powers or individual rights that are not expressly recognized in it. Sometimes called judicial activism, this was denounced by the opposition as an attempt by the activist courts to create legislation from the bench, usurping the legislative power.