CABINET DEBATE: "HAMILTON V. JEFFERSON"
Part A:
Complete the following charts and study the readings on Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson that
accompany them. You are to do appropriate research in preparation for a Cabinet meeting debate between
Hamilton and Jefferson. The agenda for discussion will include the issues on Chart 2.
Chart 1: (use readings and pages 108-109 in review book)
COMPARISON OF FEDERALIST AND DEMOCRAT-REPUBLICAN PARTIES
ISSUES
Leaders
Supporters
Interpretation of Constitution
Domestic Policy
Foreign Policy
FEDERALISTS
DEMOCRAT-REPUBLICANS
CABINET DEBATE: "HAMILTON V. JEFFERSON"
Chart 2: (use readings to prepare and fill in chart)
FEDERALISTS AND DEMOCRAT-REPUBLICANS COMPARISON
Domestic Issues
Ideal Economy
Manufacture vs. Agriculture
Funding for Debts
Federal Debt
State Debt
Protective Tariff
Whiskey Excise
Bank of U.S.
View and Rationale of Alexander
Hamilton
View and Rationale of Thomas
Jefferson
CABINET DEBATE: "HAMILTON V. JEFFERSON"
Alien & Sedition Acts
Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions
(States’ Rights)
Foreign Policy Issues
Citizen Genet & XYZ
Affairs
Jay Treaty
Alexander Hamilton
Thomas Jefferson
CABINET DEBATE: "HAMILTON V. JEFFERSON"
Part B:
Writing Your Debate Script
President Washington: Good evening, gentlemen. Having the two of you here is the highlight of
our cabinet meeting. Let’s not waste any time. Mr. Hamilton, in discussing the best economy for the
United States, you once said, “The superiority…enjoyed by nations that have…perfected a branch of
industry, constitutes a…formidable obstacle.” Can you tell us what that means in language that we
can all understand and why you plan to Fund the National Debt and Assume all State’s Debt?
Hamilton:
President Washington: Hmm, Mr. Jefferson, I saw you shaking your head in disagreement while
Mr. Hamilton was speaking. What bothers you about what he is saying?
Jefferson:
CABINET DEBATE: "HAMILTON V. JEFFERSON"
President Washington: Mr. Hamilton, in discussing the best economy for the United States, you
have expressed why that country needs to take on the debt, but could elaborate how you plan to raise
revenue to help pay for the debts incurred?
Hamilton:
President Washington: Hmm, Mr. Jefferson, I saw you shaking your head in disagreement while
Mr. Hamilton was speaking. What bothers you about what he is saying?
Jefferson:
CABINET DEBATE: "HAMILTON V. JEFFERSON"
President Washington: Well, it seems that the two of you have vastly different ideas on that topic.
How about the Constitution? Mr. Jefferson, you once said, “I consider it the foundation of the
Constitution as laid on this ground—that all powers not delegated to the United States by the
Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states, or to the people.” What
exactly did you mean and how does this relate the issue of the National Bank?
Jefferson:
President Washington: Mr. Hamilton, you seem troubled by what Mr. Jefferson is saying. Do you
disagree with him on this issue as well?
Hamilton:
CABINET DEBATE: "HAMILTON V. JEFFERSON"
President Adams: Okay, let’s move on to another topic that has caused major controversies. Mr.
Hamilton could you please explain why it is necessary to pass the Alien & Sedition Acts.
Hamilton:
President Washington: Mr. Jefferson, I understand that you don’t approve of these Acts and have
written you own resolutions in response. Could you please explain your position on this topic?
Jefferson:
CABINET DEBATE: "HAMILTON V. JEFFERSON"
President Washington: Okay, let’s move on to another topic,…foreign affairs. Mr. Hamilton, you
once said the following while commenting on the French Revolution: “I dread the vehement character
of [the French], whom I fear…may find it more easy to bring on, than to keep within the proper
bounds after you have put them in motion.” Why are you afraid of what is happening in France and
how it has effected relations in the United States? Discuss some of specific issues you see?
Hamilton:
President Washington: Mr. Jefferson, I understand that you don’t approve of all the bloodshed that
is occurring in France. However, do you view what is happening there and here differently from Mr.
Hamilton?
Jefferson:
CABINET DEBATE: "HAMILTON V. JEFFERSON"
President Adams: Thank you very much, Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Jefferson. It looks as if our time is
running short. I would not like each of you to make a brief concluding statement explaining why a
candidate from your party should be elected president in 1800. You will each have 30 seconds to
make your statement.
Hamilton:
Jefferson: