Hamilton Vs. Jefferson free essay sample

Compare and contrast the social, political, and economic philosophies of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. Speculate on how Jefferson and Hamilton might react to the current conditions in American domestic and foreign affairs. Chapter 6 Hamilton vs. Jefferson Economical Views Hamilton 1. Believed in a public debt 2. Wanted to create a national bank to provide loans for businessmen, and to provide a place to deposit federal funds. 3. Believed that America should have a strong commercial society with a large industrial sector. 4. Believed that the government should foster business and contribute to the growth of capitalistic enterprise. 5. Favored a protective tariff to aid manufacturers Jefferson 1. Opposed the National bank saying that it was unconstitutional and wanted to encourage state banks. 2. Felt that no special favors should be given to manufacturers. 3. Preferred an agrarian society with some industrial alternative to agriculture. 4. Felt that the national debt was harmful to society and all debts should be paid off quickly. We will write a custom essay sample on Hamilton Vs. Jefferson or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Social Views Hamilton 1. Believed that mostly the wealthy should run society 2. Hamilton was a supporter of the upper class and many taxes like taxes on whiskey harmed the lower to middle class most. 3. Believed that voting qualifications should be high meaning that he did not want any dumbasses voting. 4. Hamiltonians were mostly merchants, bankers, manufacturers, or wealthy farmers. Jefferson 1. Believed that the Common people were capable of running the government 2. Believed that voting qualifications should be lower because common people had a say too. 3. Jefferson supported the lower and middle classes mostly. 4. Jeffersonians were mostly, artisans, shopkeepers, frontier settlers, or owners of small farms. Political Views Hamilton 1. Admired the British aristocracy and believed it should be a model for American Gov. 2. Believed in a strong central Gov. 3. Favored a broad interpretation of the constitution to strengthen central Gov. at expense of state rights. 4. Hamiltonians, under certain circumstances, favored restrictions on speech and the press. 5. Believed at the time that America should break official bonds with France and tie itself closely to Britain. Jefferson 1. Believed in a government more democratic than Britains. 2. Jefferson wanted to reduce the number of federal office holders. 3. Jefferson favored freedom of the press and speech. 4. Jefferson also had a broad interpretation of the constitution but many times, it was only to favor himself or the situation (the damn hypocrite) 5. Wanted increased states rights and was suspicious of the central Gov. because of probable tyrannical overpowering like England. Probable feelings of modern day society Hamilton 1. In terms of economics, Hamiltons ideas of a national debt and series of taxes would hold true. Also, two national banks exist today. 2. In terms of social views, Hamiltons idea of the wealthy dominating government and running society did not hold true. Although most of the strong figures in government are very wealthy, society is really dominated by the middle to upper middle classes. 3. In terms of politics, Hamiltons idea of a government leaning more towards an aristocracy does not hold true today, for our government is and has been for a long time, a democratic government. However, there are many office holders today, and we do indeed have a very strong central Gov. Jefferson 1. Hamiltons ideas of a strong agrarian society dominated by the lower to middle class do not hold true today. Hamilton would probably support most of the economical features in society. 2. Jefferson’s social views are also not completely true for his system would strongly support the lower to middle class people, and modern-day society is run mostly by the middle to upper middle class (except for punks like Bill Gates). 3. Jefferson’s political views of society might be most approved of. His democratic government idea runs today very smoothly, and his idea that all should be allowed to vote also exists today (the word All should be used carefully).