1819/09/02
Madison, James, 1751-1836
Autograph letter signed
Title: to Spencer Roane
Responds to Judge Roane's critical comments on the Supreme Court's decision in McCulloch v. Maryland. Contends that the case "did not call for the general & abstract doctrine interwoven with the decision," preferring that the court evaluate the meaning of the law from particular decisions, not abstractions. Worries about growing legislative powers of the federal government, the doctrine of expediency implied by the ruling, and the institution of a broad "rule of [constitutional] construction." Argues that much misinterpretation of the Constitution arises from "the use made of the…
GLC02945
