In 1787, the Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution to establish a new, stronger government for the United States. During George Washington’s presidency in the 1790s, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson argued over the role of the government as dictated by the Constitution. As a result, a two party system consisting of the Hamiltonian Federalists and the Jeffersonian Republicans emerged. To some extent, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson reflected the policies and beliefs of the Federalist Hamilton.
Hamilton's economic plan turning point was on the promotion of manufacturers and commerce. While Hamilton distrusted popular will and believed that the federal government should use considerable power in order to steer a successful course, Jefferson placed his trust in the people as governors (Holmes). Hamilton's plan was to establish a bank like the one in England to maintain public credit; strengthening the states' debts under the federal government, and enacting protective tariffs and governments subsidies to encourage American manufactures. All these measures strengthened the federal governments power at the expense of the states. Jefferson opposed these views from Hamilton he feared that the Bank of the United States represented too much English influence, and argued that the constitution did not give congress the power to establish a bank.
Looking back on the most recent election driven by partisan rancor, many Americans may be cursing Hamilton and Jefferson, the two men responsible for the creation of political parties. But, without the contributions of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson the United States economy, principles, laws and shape of the nation would not be as stable. Alexander Hamilton had fought in the revolutionary war. When he started serving as Secretary of the Treasury under George Washington America was drowning in debt. Alexander Hamilton proposed a financial plan involving the establishment of a national bank, the assumption of state debts, creating a paper currency and setting tariffs on imports to increase government revenue.
Political parties began in America when two of George Washington’s advisors, Alexander Hamilton, leader of the Federalist and Thomas Jefferson, leader of the Democratic Republicans disagreed on political issues. Newspapers also influenced political parties. The Federalists and the Democratic Republicans were political parties that were created when an agreement could not be made for what would be best for the country. Hamilton was influenced by Britain to encourage trade and manufacturing, while Jefferson favored farming. Hamilton also favored a strong federal government, while Jefferson believed it would take the state’s power.
In the late 1700’s, two Founding Fathers each created their own political party. Thomas Jefferon and Alexander Hamilton each had their own political party, the Democratic-Republican and the Federalists, and shared many resemblances. Both of these great men were Founding Fathers, committed to a successful government, writers, and were part of the Presidential Cabinet. Although they shared many ideas, they disagreed on the other person’s ideals. The conflicting ideas of these two unforgettable men created the US government.
In the 1790s, there were two men who had different beliefs regarding how the United States should function. The two men were Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was the leader of the Republican party and Hamilton was the leader of the Federalist party. The political parties were created by Hamilton and Jefferson based on their differences in opinion on how the country should run. For example, Jefferson believed that the government should be self-governed and all of the power should go to the individual states.
4. Discuss the essential differences between Hamiltonians and Jeffersonians during the 1790s. The Hamiltonians, followers of Alexander Hamilton, and the Jeffersonians, followers of Thomas Jefferson created a faction of sorts after the establishment of the Constitution. The Hamiltonians had worked to “establish a national network of influence that embodied all the worst features of a party” (Brinkley, 171).
Jefferson v. Hamilton There are many conflicts in the early years of the American politics. There are two famous political parties during the early years of American Independence, and their ideologies were completely opposite. Thomas Jefferson was the third American President from 1801-1809. Alexander Hamilton was the founder of Federalist party and President Washington elected him as a first secretary of the treasurer.
He successfully argued for the assumption of state debts by the federal government and the establishment of the first national bank – a private, but partially government-owned institution. He firmly established the principles of financial trading. Due to his efforts, the creditworthiness of the United States was restored. Hamilton’s accomplishments as Treasury Secretary were not achieved without a struggle. His congressional opponents tried to exhaust him by demanding detailed reports on the workings of the treasury department with incredibly short delivery dates.
Hamilton vs. Jefferson Visions to Reality Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton both had very defined visions of the scope and power of the new federal government, how they saw the future of the economic development, and what the United States society should become. In my opinion Alexander Hamilton had more of an impact on the United States during the 1820’s and on contemporary government when compared to Thomas Jefferson. His policies did not strictly work during that time and many of his ideas are still seen in today’s society. Jefferson’s views and ideas on/of the national bank, higher tariffs, debt assumption, The Federalist Party, and his support of the ratification of the Constitution are all reasons in why his policies and visions came closer to becoming a reality. Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, molded the gatherings that provoked to the twofold party system under which the U.S. works today.
Hamilton wanted to create public credit with a treasury system, a national bank, a mint, and increase manufacturing which would help unify the country. On the other hand, there was Jefferson, who opposed a strong central government. He argued that the “wealthy would gain at the expense of ordinary Americans and that Hamilton’s political economy would corrupt the morality of citizens and undermine the social conditions essential to republican government”(Powerpoint). The country would opt for an approach closer to Hamilton’s views. One of the first acts was the National Banking Act.
Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of Treasury of the United States, had a lot going for himself being a man that came from poverty to success, and he was a man “all powerful and fails at nothing which he attempts” admitted a congressman in 1791 (Tindall and Shi). Born in the Caribbean in the West Indies, abandoned by his father and orphaned at the age of 13 by his late mother who had died. Later moved to New York, became a lawyer and transitioned to nationalism thus giving him the important role of handling the weight of the debt America had accumulated $54 million deep after the Revolutionary War (Digital History). Hamilton saw the need for some financial credit to be given to America and he had the right idea by proposing a National Bank to his first president George Washington. Word dispersed of that proposal leading a
“There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.” Alexander Hamilton once said with great confidence. Even though being so inspiring,throughout his time he had many bad relations with people. People such as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and Maria Reynolds. Alexander was a great man.
Alexander Hamilton helped fund the first national bank, Alexander was also a part of writing the constitution which held people rights, the laws of the government and the freedoms of the people. He also was apart of the writing and signing the U.S. Constitution. The constitution is of great value to the government and so him being there was dearly needed.
Alexander Hamilton said, “Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.” One of my passions is politics. I am currently taking AP US Government giving me a unique look at the 2016 election. The massive polarization between the parties scares me. The middle ground is becoming destroyed and whoever becomes president will have a tough time representing the whole of America.
