Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton are two of the Founding Fathers that were committed to a successful government. Although having some in common, they also had some incompatibilities. Thomas Jefferson was a privileged person growing up with many activities and jobs to do, while Alexander Hamilton grew up as a poor child and was an orphan, who made his way up to wealth and success. The conflicting idea of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton created the U.S government. The two creators of the government disagreed on humanity, how everyday people usually act, and the people that should be leading. Thomas Jefferson’s opinion on human nature was that people are able to make acceptable choices and decisions for themselves. He …show more content…
Jefferson's assumption was that taxes weren’t needed and the country could be able to be supported by land sales and custom duties. The other government leaders' reasoning was for there to be taxes due to it being a crucial need for the federal government's power of taxation and necessities. On top of these ideas, the two presidents argued on how the constitution should be interpreted. Jefferson believed the constitution should be literal and straightforward. If more was added to the constitution it may be dangerous. On the other presidents opinion, he supported a loose interpretation of the constitution. This meant that it could have a loose or broad interpretation to it. His belief was that it would keep order among civilians and unite quarreling states. To end the disagreements between the two, Thomas believed the government should be locally run and have the states hold the power. He wanted a limited central government. Jefferson’s thoughts were that the government should be nationally run with a strong central government. As the great president Thomas Jefferson once said,”Walking is the very best exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far.”-Thomas
Thomas Jefferson had a better policy regarding the role of government because he wanted people to be the main source of power. Jefferson favored a limited national government and wanted local and state governments to have more power. He also had a strict interpretation of the Constitution. Jefferson believed that people should follow exactly what was stated and allowed in the document. Thomas Jefferson believed that states should have more power than the federal government.
The differences between Hamilton and Jefferson visions of America is that Hamilton envisioned a diverse economy based on manufacturing, unification, urbanization and banking. However, Jefferson envisioned an agricultural economy based on farming and individuality of American people. Hamilton believed that there should be a strong federal government. He also believed a stronger federal government would so important in regulation the economic direction of the country. Jefferson on the other hand believed that the states and individuals should be stronger in the development of the economy.
Thomas Jefferson believed that the primary role of the government was to secure and protect human rights, liberty and freedoms of individual citizens. Jefferson opposed a strong federal government and believed that more power should be given to the state and local government. He was an advocate of limiting the powers of central government he feared that it would eliminate the authority of the states. Jefferson’s political “platform called for the shrinking of the federal government.” Jefferson also believed that the Constitution should be interpreted strictly.
Thanks to his acknowledged Presidents even asked him advice over wine or what wine they could serve at presidential dinners. Thomas Jefferson believed in nationhood but not the modern idea of state, he agreed more with the celebration of society over government. He never accepted the modern idea of states , which there could be no power independent of the people, in whom he had absolute faith. Thomas Jefferson and other Revolutionary leaders believed international affairs was equivalent to affection among people in domestic
When comparing the viewpoints of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, the views of Jefferson tend to be more favorable than that of Hamilton. One can say Jefferson prevailed Hamilton because of his theories that are relative to the poor, as Hamilton’s views were supported by the wealthy. Jefferson’s beliefs were mainly supported by the working class such as small farmers and shopkeepers, as Hamilton’s supporters were wealthy farmers and merchants. The reason why one would favor Jefferson’s beliefs rather than Hamilton’s is because Jefferson’s theories were socially constructed well. Jefferson’s belief was that he “Had deep faith in the common people” and “Believed that individual liberties must be protected.”
Differing Views- Hamilton vs Jefferson In 1790s America was rocked by a conflict between the nation’s first political parties- the Federalists and the Republicans. The Federalist Party was formed of merchants, manufactureres, bankers, wealthy farmers and professional people and headed by Alexander Hamilton. Thomas Jefferson led the Republic party which was formed of small farmers, frontier settlers, shopkeepers and artisans. As such both the leaders held different views of revolutionary ideas and ideologies.
Hamilton and the Federalists believed in having a central government that was fairly strong, and he did not consider the American people to be completely capable of ruling themselves. He also disapproved of state governments
Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson were complete opposites on the political spectrum, it only makes sense that the two were constantly at odds. Jefferson opposed nearly every viewpoint that Hamilton had. Whether it was on economics, how people who were delegated, foreign policy, and their parties themselves they were contrary to each other. Jefferson, “Distrusted special privilege” (Jefferson), on the other hand Hamilton, “Thought that the rich, educated and wellborn were the people who should rule” (Hamilton). Jefferson believed that no one should more power than anyone else based on class, Hamilton wanted the upperclass to run the government.
The difference between the two were Hamilton’s vision was about manufacturing, banking, and unification and Jefferson’s idea was on farming and individuality of the states and the people. Hamilton’s was right that its was important for the U.S. economy to have a national banking systems, we have this today. Jefferson thought that we would not have any need for a national banking systems. Our country went more in favor in Hamilton,
Jefferson was a staunch advocate of the limitations on federal power, and believed power came from the land and from the people. Jefferson strongly opposed Hamilton’s belief of having a strong national government with a powerful executive and a limited citizen role. Jefferson’s beliefs were in small local government, a strong legislature, and popular control. He argued for limited government and to keep as much power in the people’s hands as possible. He further argued that if government needed to exercise power, it should be state and local, not federal government.
Thomas Jefferson’s opinion of how the national government should be run, changed quite a bit over the course of his presidency. He started it off as a strict constructionist as he opposed the excise laws and his opposition to the Alien and Sedition acts. At some point he began to transform into a loose constructionist when he bought the louisiana purchase and he improved our navy to help fight the Barbary war. Somewhere during his presidency his views changed and it was most likely before he bought the Louisiana territory. Before Jefferson entered the presidential office he was a states rights supporter
The Enlightenment brought disagreement between Hamilton and Jefferson. This Enlightenment, or time when reason was emphasized, caused the two men to have conflicting ideas. Hamilton believed that “people are turbulent and changing” (Hamilton 1). He thought people of this nature would only weaken the government. Furthermore, he thought the rich should govern instead.
Both men have made very significant accomplishments during their lifetime. Jefferson became the Vice President of the United States. This position caused problems because the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches were in favor of the Democratic party and Jefferson was in favor of the Republican party. Therefore, it was difficult for Jefferson to obtain support because everyone disagreed with his views and ideas. If Jefferson and Hamilton did not disagree, the United States could run more
As a Democratic-Republican, Jefferson believed that the Constitution should be interpreted strictly. Jefferson also believed in more of a “power to the people government.” Jefferson wrote this about government power in 1791. “I consider the foundation of the Constitution that 'all powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States or to the people.' [the 10th Amendment] To take a single step beyond these boundaries, is to take possession of a boundless field of power.”
In this document, Jefferson declared the need to separate from the British Empire and voiced the opinion of many Americans views about our rights as humans. Additionally, Jefferson believes that God created every man with rights no one can take away, the right to live, the right to freedom, and the right the pursue happiness. Jefferson goes on to argue, that we the people have rights that cannot be taken away and it is the right of the people to abolish such a government, which tries to take away our God given rights. In support of Thomas Jefferson, the ideal government should be designed and ran for the people, and judged by how effectively it secures the rights of the people while promoting happiness and equality. The government is the only foundation that can make our rights of justice, liberty, and equality, become reality.