Interpreting the Constitution strictly means adhering closely to the literal meaning of the text without allowing for much interpretation or flexibility. Here's a breakdown of what it entails:
1. **Textual Approach:** Those who interpret the Constitution strictly, often referred to as strict constructionists or originalists, believe in interpreting the document based on the exact words and phrases written by the Founding Fathers without adding any new meaning or intentions.
2. **Original Intent:** Strict interpretation focuses on understanding the original intent of the framers when they wrote the Constitution. This means looking at historical context, debates, and writings from that time to discern what the framers meant by the language used in the document.
3. **Limited Government:** Advocates of strict interpretation argue that this approach helps to limit the powers of the government by preventing judges from reading their own opinions or beliefs into the Constitution. They believe that changes or amendments should be made through the established process rather than through judicial interpretation.
4. **Example:** For instance, a strict interpretation of the Second Amendment, which guarantees the right to bear arms, would emphasize the literal meaning of the words "right" and "arms" without adding modern interpretations or restrictions that are not explicitly stated in the text.
In summary, interpreting the Constitution strictly involves a literal reading of the text, a focus on original intent, limiting judicial discretion, and a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the document as intended by its framers.
