Jeffersonian Republicans are usually characterized as strict constructionists who were opposed to the broad constructionism of the Federalists. Assess the validity.

Between 1801 and 1817, the two parties the Jeffersonian Republicans and Federalists seemed to have changed their views on the issue of whether the constitution should be loosely interpreted, or strictly interpreted. The Democratic-Republicans originally prided themselves in having strict constructionist beliefs, but however, as time went on, they seemed to have adopted a broader outlook. The Federalists, who favored a looser perspective on the interpretation of the construction, adopted a more strict interpretation. Whenever the members …

…do so. Therefore, Madison, like Jefferson was not firm in his beliefs either. (Document H) The Federalist and the Democratic-Republicans seemed to change their views as staying in power dictated them to do so. Neither party was so "firm" in their beliefs, therefore, it is impossible to state the either party as a whole favored strict or broad constitutionalism. Therefore, this common stereotype must be extinguished, for this portrayal of Madison and Jefferson is untrue.