A legal philosophy maintains that the Constitution should be interpreted based on its literal and narrowest definition. It emphasizes the original intent of the framers, limiting judicial interpretation to what is explicitly stated or clearly implied in the document. For instance, advocates of this view might argue that if a specific right or power is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, then the government does not have that power.
This approach to constitutional interpretation serves as a check on governmental power, preventing expansion beyond what the framers initially envisioned. Historically, it has been employed to uphold principles of federalism and states’ rights, restricting the reach of the federal government. By adhering closely to the text of the Constitution, this method aims to ensure stability and predictability in the application of law.