How Did Hamilton And Thomas Jefferson Influence American Politics

439 Words1 Page

Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton held very different views on almost everything in regards to American politics. While they were both wealthy, well-educated men, they had dramatically different views on the power of the federal government, the economy, and their general view of Americans. Hamilton believed in a strong federal government that would be led by the well-educated elite. He even stated, “Give therefore to the first class a distinct, permanent share of the government. They will check the unsteadiness of the second, and as they cannot receive any advantage by a change, they therefore will ever maintain good government.” His supporters, who were generally Northern businessmen and bankers, reflected these opinions. Jefferson, however, believed that the future of the United States was in farming. He believed in a limited national government and a strict interpretation of the Constitution. The biggest argument between the …show more content…

Jefferson was right to place focus on farming, given the fact that Westward Expansion was only just beginning. While the financial sector of the economy is of vital importance in modern times, farming was by far the more important and profitable portion during the 1800s. Farming would continue to be a significant portion of the American economy as Westward Expansion continued all the way to California. Also, Hamilton held a very elitist view of the government. While it is imperative that a capable, intelligent leader is chosen to be the president, the United States is built off of the idea of a democratic republican government, where at least a portion of the federal government is directly elected. Finally, I agree with Jefferson that a stricter interpretation of the Constitution was needed at the time. These distinctive viewpoints all lead up to Hamilton and Jefferson’s opinions on the national

Open Document