Political Division

Lesson 11

Thomas Jefferson

Alexander Hamilton

Leader of the Federalist Party

Alexander Hamilton

Leader of Republican Party

Thomas Jefferson

Federalists vs. Republi1cans

• People are selfish and out for themselves and cannot be trusted. 

• A government that gives power to common people cannot be trusted...

Alexander Hamilton - Federalists

Human Nature

• Informed (educated) citizens can make good decisions for themselves. 

• Faith in the goodness and wisdom of people.

Thomas Jefferson - Republicans

Human Nature

• Wealthy, educated, and public-spirited men should lead the country.

• Wealthy people had education and time to make the best decisions.

Alexander Hamilton - Federalists

Lead Country

• Common people like farmers and planters should lead the country.

• Limited government so people could enjoy the blessings of liberty.

Thomas Jefferson - Republicans

Lead Country

• The U.S. should have a strong national government that unites the States and keeps order among the people.

Alexander Hamilton - Federalists

National Gov't

• The national government should be small, with limited powers.

Thomas Jefferson - Republicans

National Gov't

• The U.S. economy should be based on business, manufacturing, and trade.

• Wanted the United States to not lose respect and pay back war debt - National Bank.

Alexander Hamilton - Federalists

Economy

• The United States economy should be based on agriculture.

• The United States should focus on farmers, and not bankers, merchants, and industry.

Thomas Jefferson - Republicans

Economy

• The creation of the National Bank is constitutional.

• Elastic Clause allows the creation of a bank.

• Loose contructionist view of Constitution.

Alexander Hamilton - Federalists

National Bank

• Constitution says nothing about a National Bank.

• Constitution means what it says.

• Strict constructionist view of Constitution.

Thomas Jefferson - Republicans

National Bank

• In the war between France and Great Britain, the United States should join Great Britain.

• Britain has the right to defend itself.

• Order vs. Chaos.

Alexander Hamilton - Federalists

Allies?

• In the war between France and Great Britain, the United States should support France.

• Despite the French Revolution, bloodshed was necessary.

• Supported U.S. in American Revolution.

Thomas Jefferson - Republicans

Allies?