Jefferson Versus Hamilton

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​Jefferson (1787) I think our governments will remain virtuous for many centuries; as long as they are chiefly agricultural; and this will be as long as there shall be vacant lands in any part of America. when they get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, they will become corrupt as in Europe. Source: http://tjrs.monticello.org/letter/1300

​Hamilton (1791) It has been maintained that agriculture is, not only, the most productive but the only productive species of industry. The reality of this suggestion, in either respect, has, however, not been verified by any accurate detail of facts and calculations; and the general arguments, which are adduced to prove it, are rather subtil [sic] and paradoxical, than solid or convincing. Source: Hamilton’s Report on the Subject of Manufactures, 1791

​Cabinet Battle 1:

1. After view the video clip, what do you believe was Hamilton’s reasoning for assuming states’ debts?

2. What was Jefferson’s argument against assuming states’ debt and establishing a national back?

3. How did Hamilton justify assuming the states’ debts left over from the Revolutionary War?

​Room Where It Happened:

1. What issue is Jefferson, James Madison and Hamilton trying to resolve in this song?

2. How did these men reach a resolution that appeased both parties?

3. What motives led Jefferson and Hamilton to agree on this resolution?                                                                                                      4. After listening to the song and reading Jefferson’s account of the compromise why do you feel like it was important to move the nation’s capital?

​Cabinet Battle 2: 1. What was Jefferson’s argument to why America should get involved in foreign affairs involving France and Great Britain? 2. What was Hamilton’s reasoning for staying out of this foreign conflict? 3. Who’s side does Washington take and why?

​Washington On Your Side:

1. What major accusation does Jefferson against Hamilton at the beginning of this song? 2. After reading the previous primary resources and listening to the accompanying tracks, do you believe Jefferson should have resigned from his post as Secretary of State? 3. What role do you think his and Hamilton’s relationships with Washington played in Jefferson’s decision to resign? 4. Do you believe Washington was ever on Jefferson’s side?

​One Last Time:

1. What issues does President Washington warn against in this track and his Farewell Address?                                                            2. Why does Washington feel the need to step down from his post as president?

3. What does he believe he will achieve by stepping down?

4. What does Washington intend to do during this retirement from the presidency?

5. After listening to this track, do you feel there was any favoritism towards Hamilton by Washington?Why or why not?