Hamilton vs Jefferson in the United States Constitution

What was George Washington's warning about the formation of political parties?

Which political party did Alexander Hamilton lead?

What was the focus of Alexander Hamilton's political beliefs?

Who did Alexander Hamilton believe should be trusted to run the country?

What kind of economy did Alexander Hamilton believe would provide a strong foundation for America?

Why couldn't men who did not own property vote during Hamilton's lifetime?

Which political figure famously warned against the formation of political parties?

What did Thomas Jefferson believe should form the foundation of the economy?

Which party wanted to create a national bank to increase the government's control of the economy?

Who believed that wealthy elites should not be the only ones with political power?

Which party believed in a strong central government and loose interpretation of the Constitution?

Who believed that the government should be smaller to protect individual freedoms?

Which party opposed a strong central government and emphasized states' rights?

Who supported the creation of the National Bank and believed it would be a safe place to keep money?

George Washington's Warning

Warned against the formation of political parties, stating they could lead to division and conflict within the nation.

Alexander Hamilton's Leadership

Led the Federalist Party, which favored a strong central government and a loose interpretation of the Constitution.

Focus of Hamilton's Political Beliefs

Advocated for a robust federal government, establishment of a national bank, and a commercial economy.

Trust in Governance

Believed that educated elites and property owners should be trusted to run the country, arguing that they had the best interests of the nation in mind.

Economic Foundation

Proposed an economy based on manufacturing and trade, believing it would create a stable and prosperous nation.

Voting Rights in Hamilton's Era

Non-property owners were denied the right to vote, with the belief that only those with a financial stake in society had the requisite understanding of governance.

Opposition to Political Parties

Thomas Jefferson famously warned against the dangers of political parties, advocating for a government responsive to the will of the masses.

Jefferson's Economic Foundation

Believed that an agrarian economy, centered on farming and land ownership, should form the basis of America’s economic structure.

National Bank Support

The Federalist Party supported the creation of a national bank to enhance government control over the economy.

Power Distribution

Jefferson argued that political power should not be concentrated in the hands of wealthy elites, advocating for broader political participation.

Views on Government Size

Hamilton and the Federalists favored a strong central government, while Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans believed in a smaller government to protect individual freedoms.

States' Rights Advocacy

The Democratic-Republican Party, led by Jefferson, strongly opposed a powerful central government and advocated for states' rights.

Creation of the National Bank

Hamilton supported the establishment of the National Bank, envisioning it as a secure depository for federal funds and a means to regulate economic activity.

Test your knowledge of the differing political perspectives of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, both key figures in the writing of the United States Constitution. Learn about their roles as advisors to George Washington and their contrasting viewpoints that shaped early American politics.