What is originalism and what is living constitution in constitutional interpretation?

• A. Originalism seeks fixed original meanings at the founding; living constitutionalism interprets the text in light of current societal values.
• B. Living constitutionalism insists on a strict original meaning.
• C. Originalism relies on public opinion to interpret constitutional text.
• D. Living constitutionalism rejects any interpretive framework.

Answer: (A)

Understanding constitutional interpretation involves two contrasting ideas about where the meaning of the text comes from. Originalism grounds meaning in fixed original meanings at the founding—what the text was understood to mean by the framers or ratifiers at that time. A living constitution, on the other hand, treats the same text as adaptable, interpreted in light of current societal values and conditions, so its application can evolve as society changes.

That description lines up with the correct answer: originalism seeks fixed original meanings at the founding; living constitutionalism interprets the text in light of current societal values.

The other notions don’t fit because they misstate how these approaches derive meaning or how they treat interpretation. One version wrongly says living constitutionalism insists on a strict original meaning. Another wrongly suggests originalism relies on public opinion to interpret the text. A final option wrongly claims living constitutionalism rejects any interpretive framework.