Hamilton vs. Jefferson

Hamilton vs. Jefferson

What were the political differences between Hamilton and Jefferson?

Poll

If you were part of President Washington's cabinet, would you have supported Alexander Hamilton or Thomas Jefferson's view of government.

• Hamilton

• Jefferson

View of Government

Hamilton and Jefferson as part of President Washington's cabinet did not cooperate instead they began to disagree about how to define the authority of the central government.

* Hamilton believed in a strong federal government.

*Jefferson wanted to protect the powers of the states.

Their conflict reflected basic differences in their options about democracy. Hamilton had little faith in the average individual. He once said that "the people... seldom judge or determine [decide] right."

Multiple Choice

Who's view of government was to give more "states' rights"

• Hamilton

• Jefferson

Multiple Select

Select all that would apply to Hamilton's view of government

• Believed in the average citizen's ability to make decisions for the country.

• Believed in a strong central government that balanced power between the "mass of the people" and wealthier citizens

• Believed that his approach would protect everyone's liberties while keeping the people from having too much power.

• Believed that is was the right of the people to rule the country.

View of What the Economy Should be Based On

Hamilton and Jefferson also fought over how the country's economy should grow. Hamilton wanted to promote a more industrial economy, based on manufacturing, business, and trade.

Jefferson worried about depending too much on business and manufacturing. He believed that farmers were the most independent voters. They did not depend on other people's work to make a living.

View on Tariffs

Hamilton wanted to pass higher tariffs. Known as protective tariffs, these taxes would raise the prices of foreign products. Hamilton hoped this would cause Americans to buy U.S. goods. As a result, American manufacturing would be protected from foreign competition.

Jefferson wrote, "Our government will remain virtuous [pure] for many centuries; as long as they are chiefly agricultural." Jefferson wanted to help farmers by keeping the costs of the goods they bought low. Lower tariffs would keep prices low.

Poll

Who would you agree with, Jefferson the tariffs hurt farmers by raising costs of imports. Or Hamilton raise tariffs to protect U.S. products from foreign competition?

• Jefferson

• Hamilton

View of the National Bank

Hamilton wanted to start a national bank where the government could safely deposit its money. Jefferson believed that Hamilton's plans for the economy gave too much power to the federal government. He also believed the Constitution did not give Congress the power to create a bank. But Hamilton quoted the elastic clause, which states that Congress can "make all laws which shall be necessary and proper to govern the nation.

Poll

We have now compted the chart and have a better understanding of Hamilton and Jefferson's views of government. Have you changed your mind as to which side you would have chosen?

• No, I have not changed my position.

• Yes, after further understanding I have changed my mind.