Loose and Strict Constructionist of the Constitution The main similarity was that both factions recognized the Constitution as the guide to follow in running the new nation. The difference was how they thought it guided us. The strict constructionists said it had to be followed to the letter...if it wasn't in the Constitution you couldn't do it. They felt that it covered everything adequately and that allowing a broad interpretation opened up too many possibilities. A vague construct viewed the Constitution as an idea upon which to serve as a guide in shaping the new nation. If it was in the best interest of the nation and did not violate the Constitution, then everything was fine. When Napoleon was offered the Louisiana Territory to Jefferson, he was in a bind. He was already looking at it and really wanted it, but nothing in the Constitution said the president had that authority...and he was a strict guy! We have never completely resolved this argument. Unlike the federalists. , who were strong constructionists, Jeffersonian Republicans are generally characterized as strict constructionists. Regarding the Federal Constitution, Jeffersonian Republicans favor a "strict" interpretation of the Constitution, while the Federalist Party and its supporters favor a "loose" interpretation. However, during the period 1801-1817, this characterization of Jefferson's and Madison's views began to differ. The Democratic-Republicans have almost reversed roles with the Federalists. In the early 1800s, Thomas Jefferson envisioned American society as a nation of independent farmers living under the central government that exercised minimal control over their rights and protected the individual rights of the people. ... middle of paper ......aw was unconstitutional. With Madison, Thomas Jefferson now came to the conviction that the Constitution is not something sacred that cannot be touched. Although they did not favor frequent, novel changes to laws and constitutions, they believed that if laws and institutions progress and make new discoveries, then changes can be made according to circumstances. The party has evolved, many changes have occurred in the United States. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison became free performers because of the different obstacles and opportunities they faced along their journey. On the other hand, Federalists became somewhat strict constructionists because that is what benefited them at the time. The two-party characterization of the early 1800s was no longer accurate and a new society developed..