George Washington
If in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way in which the Constitution designates. (The Farewell Address)
James Madison
A regular mode of making proper alteration has been providently inserted in the Constitution itself. It is anxiously to be wished, therefore, that no innovation may take place in other modes, one of which would be a constructive assumption of powers never meant to be granted. If the powers be deficient, the legitimate source of additional ones is always open, and ought to be resorted to. (letter to Spencer Roane, Sept. 2, 1819)
Thomas Jefferson
I had rather ask for an enlargement of power from the nation, where it is found necessary, than to assume it by a construction which would make our powers boundless. Our peculiar security is in possession of a written Constitution. Let us not make it a blank paper by construction. (letter to Wilson Nicholas, September 7, 1803)