Jefferson believed that political parties were necessary, while Hamilton believed that political parties were an unnecessary burden on the legislative process.

Since Jefferson was a native of Virginia, he was a supporter of slavery and southern interests while Hamilton, from New York, represented northern industrial interests.

Jefferson thought a strong central government would infringe on the rights of the people, while Hamilton believed that the central government needed to be strong to protect the rights of all.

Jefferson thought that the US should not be involved in foreign affairs, while Hamilton recognized that, to be a great power, the US had to involve itself in the affairs of Europe.