It has always been denied by the republican party in this country, that the Constitution had given the power of incorporation to Congress. On the establishment of the Bank of the United States, this was the great ground on which that establishment was combated; and the party prevailing supported it only on the argument of its being an incident to the power given them for raising money.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Jefferson argues that the Constitution does not explicitly grant Congress the power to incorporate a bank. He notes that supporters of the Bank relied on the idea that it was necessary for raising money, rather than an explicit constitutional right.
- In plain terms
- The Constitution does not say Congress can make a bank. Supporters argued they could do it because it helped them collect money.
- What can you take from it?
- Congress should only exercise powers clearly granted or strictly necessary to execute them.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What powers are necessary vs. explicit?
- Who decides what is incidental?
Another view
This view assumes strict constructionism is the only valid way to read the Constitution.
More from Thomas Jefferson
Nothing was or is farther from my intentions, than to enlist myself as the champion of a fixed opinion, where I have only expressed doubt.
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