Answer to Question #320103 in History for Myreen

Question

Explain the difference in political ideology between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson and discuss who you would side with and why. Include specific details to support your decision.

Answer 1

Differences between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson

The Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, who had married into the wealthy Schuyler family, represented the urban mercantile interests of the seaports whereas the Antifederalists, led by Thomas Jefferson, spoke for the rural and southern interests. The debate between the two concerned the power of the central government versus that of the states, with the Federalists favoring the former and the Antifederalists advocating states' rights.

Hamilton sought a strong central government acting in the interests of commerce and industry by bringing to public life a love of efficiency, order and organization whereas

Hamilton pointed out that America must have credit for industrial development, commercial activity and the operations of government without forgetting to have the complete faith and support of the people.

Hamilton also devised a Bank of the United States, with the right to establish branches in different parts of the country by sponsoring a national mint, and argued in favor of tariffs, using a version of an "infant industry" argument: that temporary protection of new firms can help foster the development of competitive national industries whereas

Jefferson advocated a decentralized agrarian republic by recognizing the value of a strong central government in foreign relations, but he did not want it strong in other respects.

Immediately after ascending to power, Hamilton introduced his bill to establish a national bank which Jefferson objected and spoke for those who believed in states' rights, Jefferson argued that the Constitution expressly enumerates all the powers belonging to the federal government and reserves all other powers to the states.

I'll side with Hamilton because of his great aim which was considered more efficient organization, unlike that of Jefferson who once said "I am not a friend to a very energetic government." Therefore, Hamilton feared anarchy and thought in terms of order; Jefferson feared tyranny and thought in terms of freedom. The United States needed both influences.