Hamilton and the National Finances

Believed in promoting manufacturing and industry for the US economy

• Hamilton

• Jefferson

Believed the federal government could only do specifically what the Constitution stated

• Hamilton

• Jefferson

Believed the US needed a strong, central government

• Hamilton

• Jefferson

Believed the interpretation of the Constitution should be flexible

• Hamilton

• Jefferson

Believed average Americans had the right to rule America

• Hamilton

• Jefferson

Did not believe the Constitution gave Congress the power to create a national bank

• Hamilton

• Jefferson

Believed in states' rights

• Hamilton

• Jefferson

Believed common people did not have the judgement or reason to rule and should be balanced by the greater wisdom of the wealthy

• Hamilton

• Jefferson

Believed that an agricultural economy would secure a prosperous future for America

• Hamilton

• Jefferson

Believed a national bank would provide a safe place to deposit government funds and serve as a reliable source of loans for US businesses

• Hamilton

• Jefferson