Hamilton vs. Jefferson
Where should power be
concentrated?
Hamilton
Federal Government
A strong federal govt.
equals stronger
nation
Jefferson
State & Local Govts.
Protects rights of the
citizens from a
massive government
Should the national govt. be
strong?
Hamilton
Yes
This would help us
become a better
nation and improve
our economy
Jefferson
No
A strong federal govt.
would abuse its
power and not act in
the best interests of
the people
How should the Constitution be
interpreted?
Hamilton
Loose interpretation
Elastic Clause /
Necessary and
Proper Clause
Jefferson
Strict interpretation
Powers are very
clearly outlined in
Constitution
Should there be a national bank?
Hamilton
Yes
Bank would
strengthen the
economy
Encourage foreign
investment
Jefferson
No
Unhealthy alliance
between the govt. and
wealthy businessmen.
Constitution has no
provisions for a
National Bank
What should the economy be
based on?
Hamilton
Shipping &
manufacturing
Future of the nation
depended upon
industry and
manufacturing and
companies should be
given tax breaks for
opening factories
Jefferson
Farming
Farming would keep
this nation strong due
to its favorable
climate and massive
amount of arable land
How should debt be managed?
Hamilton
Federal govt.
assumes both state
and national debt
Creditors would then
have reason to
support the federal
govt., wanted to issue
new bonds to cover
the old ones and pay
off foreign debt
Jefferson
Federal govt. pays
only national debt &
states pay off their
own debt
Most southern states
had little/no debt so
they did not want the
federal govt. to pay
off northern debt, pay
off all debts over time
What did he fear?
Hamilton
Jefferson
Mob rule
Absolute power/ruler
A weak central govt.
A strong central govt.
would lead to future
could create another
mob events like
Great Britain where
Shay’s Rebellion
the rights and desires
which could cause the
of the people would
nation to collapse
be ignored
Who supported him?
Hamilton
Merchants,
manufacturers,
landowners,
investors, lawyers, &
clergy urban areas
Jefferson
“Plain people” –
farmers, trades
people, middle class
artisans, rural areas
Political Party
Hamilton
Federalists
Jefferson
Republicans
(DemocraticRepublicans)