Why did the party that favored strong state governments insist on a strict interpretation of the Constitution?

Question

*The original Republican party.

Answer 1

The Founders wrote and ratified the Constitution of the United States to create a general government which would have limited powers to act in a few functional areas for the States as a whole.

The general government existed only within the powers delegated within that Constitution. In some respects it was similar to a contract in which a corporation is created. Signatories come together as creators to create a corporation as the creature created. That created creature (the corporation) can do no more than is in the contract and the real power remains with the creators (those signing the contract)

So too with the general government of the Constitutional contract with the real power remaining with the States as the representatives of the people.

There is a debate which addresses the question, “Which ratified the Constitution of the United States, the States or the people?” To me it was clearly the States through representatives assembled to debate the pros and cons of ratification.

In this context the federal government (that general government) has intruded into the rights and powers of the States and the people.

This perspective should not be laid at the feet of the “original Republican Party.” Certainly there were those who viewed the federal government at different levels of strength relative to State power, none wanted an overly intrusive federal government. Over time the general government enhanced its powers through legislation, the courts and executive actions, and nearly all political factions were involved.

Strict interpretation (or interpretation of Founders True intent), which means not applying definitions not written, means relating only to written delegated powers.

Answer 2

Favored Constitution