With respect to the Constitution, it’s best to avoid two mistakes. The first is to think that words are more precise and more conclusive than they actually are. The Constitution protects “the freedom of speech” and makes the president “Commander-in-Chief,” and those words have real meaning. But still, life turns up tough problems. Even in its republican context, the phrase “high crimes and misdemeanors” leaves some unanswered questions. You can stare at those words all you want, and read Hamilton, Madison, Mason, and all the rest, and you won’t squeeze out enough meaning to solve every puzzle.
