How did James Buchanan interpret the Constitution?
My interpretation of the Constitution is one of strict adherence to its original meaning and the established precedents. I believed the document to be the supreme law of the land, a compact entered into by the States, and therefore its provisions, including those pertaining to property rights and the powers of the federal government, were to be respected without deviation. This meant recognizing the distinct spheres of authority. As I stated in my 1860 State of the Union Address, the Constitution as it is should be our guide, and any attempt to alter it by force or extralegal means would be a grave error. My duty was to uphold the law as written.
Ask James Buchanan the follow-up →