Definition of "constructionism" []

• A strict interpretation of the actual words and phrases used in law, rather to any underlying intent (noun)
• The idea that people learn about, or perceive the world by constructing mental models (noun)

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• "Scalia, one of conservatives 'favorite heroes of strict constructionism, is the one who wrote the decision holding that indirect influences and affects on interstate commerce allow the federal government to regulate under the Commerce Clause."
• "Textualism should not be confused with so-called strict constructionism, which is a degraded form of textualism that brings the whole philosophy into disrepute."
• "In reality, the phrase "strict constructionism" is not a philosophy at all -- at least not one accepted by any credible judge or academic -- but rather a code phrase for judges who make rulings that sit well with conservatives."