Hamilton and the National Finances

Believed in promoting manufacturing and industry for the US economy

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

Believed the US needed a strong, central government

Believed the interpretation of the Constitution should be flexible

Believed average Americans had the right to rule America

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

Believed in states' rights

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

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

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