Compare And Contrast Jefferson And Hamilton's View Of The Constitution

458 Words1 Page

Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson were both founding fathers of the Early Republic. Hamilton was a Federalist, while Jefferson was a Democratic-Republican, as well as the third president. In the Early Republic, Hamilton’s views played a greater role in shaping the United States of America because of his views of the ideal economy, beliefs on a strong federal government, and his view of the Constitution. In the Early Republic, Hamilton’s view of the Constitution prevailed over Jefferson’s view of the Constitution as seen in the issue of the National Bank. Hamilton viewed the Constitution through the eyes of a loose constructionist. Being a loose constructionist, Hamilton believed that as long as the Constitution did not specifically indicate that something is not forbidden, it is allowed to be done. On the contrary, Jefferson perceived the Constitution as a strict constructionist. In other words, he assumed that the government may only do what is listed in the Constitution. Hamilton wanted a National Bank, meanwhile Jefferson was utterly against the idea of one. Due to the Constitution failing to hinder any foundation of a National Bank, it was completely within limit to establish. Hamilton argued that with the help of a National Bank, the collection of taxes, borrowing money, and any other financial manners could commence and be regulated more smoothly. On the other hand, Jefferson insisted that the National Bank was unconstitutional …show more content…

Up to the present time, Hamilton's views shape modern America more rather than Jefferson. As a result of Hamilton arguing for the need of a National Bank, loose constructionism prevailed over strict constructionism, providing modern America a Federal Reserve which provides America with a stable source of loans, and manages the United States’

Open Document