Hamilton versus Jefferson: The Rise of Party Politics
Alexander Hamilton
born in the West Indies in poverty
served in Continental Army
dressed in fine clothing
enjoyed political debate
served as Secretary of the Treasury
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Differences
Describe their
backgrounds; where
they grew up,
personalities, and
appearance
(pages 287-288)
Hamilton (Federalist)
Views On
Favored a loose interpretation of the
Constitution’s elastic clause
Congress could act whenever it was
“proper”
Strict versus loose
interpretation of the
Constitution
(page 288)
Wanted Congress to charter a National
Bank.
Congress had the right to collect taxes the
bank was “necessary and proper.”
Wanted to buy up government’s old bonds
and issue new ones. Desired to pay off
debts of states as well. Would then pay
off old bonds at full value. New bonds
would be issued at a lower interest rate.
Benefitted speculators and businessmen
(bankers and investors).
Thomas Jefferson
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wealthy Virginia plantation owner – owned
slaves
attorney
wrote Declaration of Independence
“plain” dresser and speaker
served as Secretary of State
Jefferson (Republican)
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National Bank
(page 281 and 288)
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Paying the national
debt from the war
(pages 280-281)
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Favored a strict interpretation of the
Constitution’s elastic clause
any power not specifically given to the
federal government belongs to the state
A national bank is not “necessary” and
therefore cannot be created by Congress.
Such a bank would benefit businessmen,
not farmers.
Believed that Hamilton’s plan would hurt
ordinary citizens and benefit speculators
and businessmen (bankers and investors).
He accepted Hamilton’s plan in return for
a new national capital (District of
Columbia).
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Wanted the government to encourage
economic growth
favored the growth of trade,
manufacturing and cities
favored business leaders and mistrusted
common people.
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Favored a protective tariff
thought that it would help protect
American manufacturing by making foreign
goods more expensive for American
consumers to purchase.
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Admired both
liked the orderliness of the British
government and financial systems
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Did not support the French Revolution
Horrified by the violence of the Reign of
Terror and the social disruption in France.
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Favored a strong federal (central)
government
wanted the federal government to be
stronger than the states; it was needed to
promote the economy and defense and to
restrain mob violence (ex. Whiskey
Rebellion)
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The American economy
– industry vs.
agriculture
(page 288)
Protective tariff
(page 281)
British government
and society
France’s revolution
(pages 284 – 285)
The central
government
(page 288)
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Believed that farmers were the backbone
of the country; favored the common man.
Thought that manufacturing and crowded
cities were corrupting American life
believed that too much wealth was being
concentrated into the hands of a small
group of wealthy Americans.
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Opposed a protective tariff
farmers bought many imported goods and
the protective tariff would make them
more expensive.
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Disliked both
thought British society was decadent, the
government corrupt and anti-Republican
(elitist)
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Supported the French Revolution
Condemned the violence and terror, but
supported the democratic ideals.
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Favored stronger state governments
wanted the state governments to be
stronger than the federal government
believes states would protect individual
rights.
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