loose-constructionist

Updated: July 12, 2026

He held that the Elastic Clause ought to be construed strictly and narrowly; Hamilton held that it ought to be construed loosely and liberally. Hence the names "strict-constructionist" and "loose-constructionist," which mark perhaps the most profound and abiding antagonism in the history of American politics.

John Fiske - Civil Government in the United States Considered with: Some Reference to Its Origins