Hamilton and Jefferson

Relationship with Great Britain:

• Hamilton: Favored close commercial ties; Jefferson: Favored alliance

• Hamilton: Favored close commercial ties and saw Britain as a model for economic development; Jefferson: Distrusted Britain and favored closer ties with France

• Both distrusted Great Britain due to the recent war

• Both favored strong alliances with Great Britain

Relationship with France:

• Hamilton: Supported the French Revolution; Jefferson: Opposed it

• Hamilton: Distrusted France and its revolutionary ideals; Jefferson: Sympathized with the French Revolution (at least initially) and saw it as an extension of the American Revolution

• Both supported a strong alliance with France

• Both opposed any involvement in European affairs

Interpretation of the Constitution:

• Hamilton: Strict construction (literal interpretation); Jefferson: Loose construction (broad interpretation)

• Hamilton: Loose construction (broad interpretation, implied powers); Jefferson: Strict construction (literal interpretation, limited government)

• Both believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution

• Both believed in a loose interpretation of the Constitution

View on the Power of the Elite:

• Hamilton: Believed the wealthy and well-born should lead; Jefferson: Believed in the wisdom of the common man

• Hamilton: Distrusted the elite and favored direct democracy; Jefferson: Believed in the necessity of an aristocratic class

• Both distrusted any form of social hierarchy

• Both believed in a strong centralized government controlled by the elite

"Only by promoting manufacturing and commerce can our economy grow and prosper."

• Hamilton

• Jefferson

The federal government must not be allowed to do more than what the Constitution specifically says it can do.

• Hamilton

• Jefferson

"If our country does not have a strong central government, it cannot stay united and prosperous."

• Hamilton

• Jefferson

We must be flexible in our interpretation of the Constitution so that we can react appropriately and responsibly to the changing times and our nation's needs.

• Hamilton

• Jefferson

"I do not believe that our Constitution gives Congress the power to create a national bank."

• Hamilton

• Jefferson

The common people do not have the judgment or reason to rule and therefore must be balanced by the greater wisdom of the wealthy.

• Hamilton

• Jefferson