Ap_U.S._History_Comparison_of_Hamilton_and_Jefferson

AP U.S. History Essay In the 1790’s, two political parties including the Federalists and the Democratic Republicans began to emerge. The Federalists were led by Alexander Hamilton and the Democratic Republicans (Jeffersonians) were led by Thomas Jefferson. There were several key differences that created the distinction between these two parties. First, the Federalists loosely followed the Constitution while the Jeffersonians strictly followed it. In addition to these contrasting views on the Constitution, there was a growing opposition to Hamilton’s economic plan. Finally, the Jeffersonians believed in a limited central government where people had more liberty and the Federalists believed in a strong central government, while fearing excessive liberty. During this time period, Alexander Hamilton proposed a charter for a National Bank which Thomas Jefferson opposed because he viewed it as unconstitutional. Jefferson argued that the Constitution did not explicitly state that Congress had the power to create a National Bank and therefore it must be unconstitutional. In contrast, Hamilton thought that the necessary and proper clause would allow Congress to create a National bank, believing that it was needed and appropriate. Jefferson’s view that the Bank was unconstitutional since it did not specifically grant the power to create one is a view of a strict constructionist whereas Hamilton’s view that it was implied made him a loose constructionist. These differing views were a major factor in the separation of the two political parties. Alexander Hamilton also proposed a financial plan to George Washington designed to raise money and stabilize the nation’s financial affairs; however this sparked controversy and generated some opposition. In this plan, the national government would pay off states debts, a National Bank would be created, and it would levy tariffs on foreign trade and create a Whiskey tax. However, the imposition of the Whiskey tax resulted in a lot of opposition from mainly the western farmers. Hamilton also offered to send military aid to destroy all opposing forces should a rebellion occur. “A little rebellion now and then is a good thing” (Jefferson, Letter to James Madison). Jefferson openly opposed the idea of the federal government’s use of a military force to destroy rebellion. Such actions would give the central government too much power and take the liberty of the people. Furthermore, Jefferson and his party objected to this plan fearing that it would give the central government unlimited power. Finally, Hamilton and Jefferson were on opposite ends of the spectrum concerning the concept of government. Jefferson believed government was created in order to secure individual liberties and most of a nation’s strengths lie in agriculture. He opposed a strong central authority and thought people were the final authority in government. He also encouraged support towards the French Revolution. In comparison, Hamilton believed a strong central government was needed to protect property and the rights of people. He believed in the development of business and industry rather than agriculture for a prosperous nation. He also thought that government should be run by the wealthy and educated rather than the “propertyless masses” and opposed involvement in the French Revolution. This was perhaps the most influential factor in the separation of the two parties since each wanted completely opposite forms of government. The Jefferson/Hamilton conflict helped establish two separate political parties by concentrating factions on two political sides. Those who backed Jefferson supported a strict reading of the Constitution, opposed Hamilton’s economic plan, and supported a limited central government and agriculture. Those who backed Hamilton supported a loose reading of the Constitution, supported Hamilton’s economic plan, and believed in a strong central government with industry and trade. Works Cited Frank, Mitch. “Jefferson vs. Hamilton or Group Hug.” American Partisan. Dec. 28 2006. http://www.american-partisan.com/cols/frank/111799.htm “Hamilton vs. Jefferson.” Dec. 28 2006. http://countrystudies.us/united-states/history-41.htm Kennedy, David, Lizabeth Cohen, Thomas A. Bailey. The American Pageant. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2002.