In  Article I, Section 8, and Clause 18 the Constitution gives Congress the power “to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper.” Congress uses the power to pass laws to met the changing needs of America. In Section 8, Clause 3 Congress obtained the power ” to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the various states.”

 Nevertheless, since the adoption of the Constitution there have been 2 interpretations. They are: (A)

 Strict interpretation states Congress, presidents and federal courts can only do acts which are clearly written in the Constitution; (B) Loose interpretation states Congress, presidents, and federal courts can do acts in wide manner to strengthen America. Today, Americans are still debating the correct interpretation for the Constitution.

 

Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President, believed in a strict interpretation.

However, in 1803 America negotiated a treaty to purchase the Louisiana Territory, but the Constitution does not mention the purchase of land.

Jefferson considered proposing a constitutional amendment to purchase land, but his advisors persuaded him that the land purchase was a fantastic bargain and to present the treaty to the Senate. Jefferson reluctantly agreed and the Senate ratified the treaty.

In one bold move America doubled in size. Later, Jefferson said that he had “stretched the Constitution till it cracked.”

 

Roy Wetherington

Tifton