Lacey Hall American History 1700 Research Paper

The question in which I have chosen to write my research paper about is; how were the political ideas of Jefferson and Hamilton different and whose political philosophy won out in the end? I decided upon this question because I have strong feelings towards this subject and believed Jefferson to have the more appealing of the two opinions on how a country should be ran. Below you will see the political differences between Jefferson and Hamilton as well as my opinions about there stand points and why. I will also go over whos political philosophies are currently playing into todays government.

Thomas Jefferson was a Republican Democrat (which has adapted into the current Democratic Party) with ideals in which were of value, were respectable and were honorable. He fought for the little guys, by having a strong belief and confidence in the common people of colonial America. A true optimist believing people were mostly good and capable to self-governing. I too share similar beliefs in people being capable of being good and capable of self-governing. He wished to lower voting qualifications within the states to provide a larger demographic the opportunity to have a say within the government and who was to lead them. This ideal is in current practice today, despite a good portion of the population choosing to not share their opinion by not taking part in voting. Im sure Jefferson would be proud that we allow voting to all of the American

citizens of age and without federal crimes, however he would of probably been disheartened by the portion of the population who dont actively execute their right as Americas to vote. Jefferson also held alliance to France and believed it was right for America to aid them in times of need.

In regards to his strongest political opinions Jefferson pushed for a weak centralized government and a strong state government. Allowing states to have a bigger say so on the people who resided within them directly instead of an over all rule of the people. To a small degree this ideal is currently in affect within our todays government. However not in the way Jefferson envisioned it. It is currently more centralized, however states do possess certain abilities allowing them to have laws in which only affect the peoples within their state. Jefferson also believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution wanting the peoples liberties to be protected through law. He pushed for people having the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This was in fact the most honorable goal in my personal opinion and as much as this ideal is preached in current America, it is not carried out to the degree in which Jefferson valued it.

As for the economy Jefferson thought that the Nations backbone should be agriculture. He didnt want a National Bank and believed that eliminating internal taxation and paying off the nations debt was the best maneuver. This was in my opinion was both an intellectual and well thought out decision that could of set the tone for a more economically sound future. In addition he didnt support government aid to trade, finance, and manufacturing.

The Jeffersonians were strongest in the South and were made up of people of agriculture including artisans and shopkeepers.

Three quotes made by Thomas Jefferson which support his political beliefs: My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government, A wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is necessary to close the circlue of our felicities, and When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty.

Alexander Hamilton was a Federalist whom had uncompromising opinions towards keeping the rich, richer and the poor, poorer. In my opinion this is still a mentality that has carried to todays current America in regards to the Republican party, in which is essentially the grown adaptation of the original Federalist Party. He was a pessimist in regards to human nature thinking people to be selfish and in need of being governed to avoid anarchy. He believed only the wealthy and educated had a place among the government and that the common people often acted too foolishly to be involved This thought provokes the ideals in which the British practiced being under one unopposed rule i.e. a king. He had unwavering ideas as to raising voting qualifications to

instill that only the privileged had a say so in the leaders of government. Creating a feeling of monarchy in my opinion. He obliviously was in support of Britain.

Hamilton was in support for strong centralized government and weak state governments. Which is more so practiced in todays current United States. Allowing the centralized government to rule (essentially taking after British system). Hamilton also placed confidence in a loose interpretation of the Constitution. Thinking that things such as individual liberties at times should be deprived. Thus even more so implying a monarchial system opposed to individual sovereignty. Going against the Jefferson ideals of the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

In regards to economy Hamilton strived for economic balance between agriculture, trade, finance, and manufacturing. And supported providing government aid to them. To a degree I dont believe this was an ill though out plan. He in fact established the National Bank, and wanted to use the National debt to establish credit. Also desiring the internal taxation to stay in effect. However the internal taxation could of assisted paying off the ever-growing national debt, it was more designed to be used to put money back into the pockets of the wealthy.

The Hamiltonian perspective was adopted in the North and along the Atlantic coast. Supporters consisted of bankers, manufacturers, and the wealthy.

Three quotes made by Hamilton that support his political beliefs: Why has government been instituted at all? Because the passions of man will not conform to the dictates of reason and justice without constraint, The voice of the people has been said to be the voice of God; and, however generally this maxim has been quoted and believed, it is not true to fact. The people are turbulent and changing, they seldom judge or determine right, and Its not tyranny we desire; its a just, limited, federal government.

Both Jefferson and Hamilton had very different political views and wanted very different things for their new country. They both had strong support and backing by very different people along the social ladder. Both of their beliefs in mankind are similar to arguments made by Hobbs and Locke over one hundred years prior. Jefferson was on the side of Locke having faith in the people. Hamilton was on the side of Hobbs having faith in the government.

As for the political ideas in which won in the end, as sad as I am to say it in my opinion we live in a Hamiltonian society. Americans are fond of quoting Jefferson, but we live in Hamiltons country George Will. I couldnt of said it better myself. Our country is supposedly by the people, for the people, however when was the last time you as an American citizen felt as though you had any say in your government? The answer for me is well . . . never. The system is made up of people who either had the connections or funding to get to their places. Once there they often go against the Constitution to create laws that benefit them directly. Although current America may not thrive under a Jeffersonian system due to the Hamiltonian system being in effect for the

time it has. Our country may now be dependent on being governed with no hope of the individual sovereignty Jefferson strived so hard for. The Hamiltonian system is still in effect with our current government and is slowly dividing social classes to the rich and entitled and the in debt and in poverty and causing internal conflict within todays America. Corporatism has created the malfeasance in which Jefferson feared with a strong centralized government in place. Although our current president is in fact a Democrat his still acts with a Hamiltonian system in so many ways. Romney was also a Hamiltonian following it more strictly. This comes down to a new debate in mind. I agree with Walter Russell Meads opinions in which being that our Nation needs to redesign their political beliefs with more Jeffersonian morals and ideals on the playing board.

Sited below are the websites in which assisted this papers creation. http://www.lcusd.net/cms/lib04/CA01000868/Centricity/Domain/274/JeffersonvHamilto n_worksheets.pdf http://jim.com/hobbes.htm http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/t/thomas_jefferson.html http://msvest.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/0/1/13016163/jefferson-hamilton_viewpoints.pdf http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/a/alexander_hamilton.html http://blogs.the-american-interest.com/wrm/2011/12/06/the-age-of-hamilton/