NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote
Compare and Contrast the political ideas of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson History and historical figures have always interested me in the way how they formed and influenced the development and growth of our country and nation. Since the beginning of the American history our nation was always in a position where people could state their point of view on any issue that they felt concerned them and their country. However on many occasions only some selected voices could be heard. In this essay I would like to examine the political opinions of two of those voices Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. The two men are both key figures in the history of the American nation, combined maybe even more important that the man who ruled over them George Washington.
It was during his run as president that Washington appointed Hamilton as the first secretary of the treasury. He later placed Jefferson to the same position. There is no question both were brilliant men but no doubt that they both had very different notions of the destination of the United States should take, as well as the way to reach these goals. Evidence shows us that Jefferson cared a great deal about political ideals and preserving the unique American way of life while Hamilton put chose to focus his time and effort into the building of the institutions that he rightly believed would eventually make America a world power. The two would find themselves on differing sides of many debates and discussions in congress during Americas crucial early life.
Both men represented the interests and ideals of certain groups of the American people. Jefferson represented the republican ideals and his followers tended to be made up of artisans, shopkeepers, frontier settlers and owners of small, self-maintained farms in the inner south and west. Hamilton however, represented the federalist views and opinions. His followers were mostly made up of merchants, bankers, manufacturers and other professional men.
Jefferson and his followers believed in the forming of a government more democratic that the one that colonists had left behind in England. They believed that democracy was the way they could achieve true freedom while Hamilton greatly admired the same aristocracy and ruling class system of government, believing it should be used as a model for the ruling of new the new America. Jefferson and his fellow republicans also believed that the American people were more than capable of self-government that not every nation was capable of doing. Jefferson is quoted as saying "Every man, and every body of men on earth, possesses the right of self-government. " Hamilton opposed this view of the average American, believing that them incapable of governing themselves and believing in the need for a ruling class. Jefferson also pushed for such changes as the lowering of voting qualifications.
He believed that every American had the right to vote, believing true democracy was perfectly feasible. Hamilton however pushed for higher and stricter restrictions on voting, continuing his belief in an elitist ruling society (made up of the rich and educated. ) Maybe more than anything else, Jefferson believed in strict following and interpretation of The constitution, which he believed would help to limit the powers of central government and conserve state rights while Hamilton believed that the constitution should merely be a guideline for the government to follow and providing a constitutional end is achieved, the means should not be questioned. Their clash over the use of the constitution came to a head when they were both given the task of submitting their views on the formation of a national bank to President Washington. Hamilton believed that in order to grow America had to look beyond its own shores and become a strong economic world power. In his report to Washington on public Hamilton proposed that the federal government should add the outstanding debts of the states of the revolutionary war to its own debt. Jefferson however was not happy with the plan and himself submitted his opinions on the matter to Washington.
Through his opinions on the way the constitution should be followed he argued that the formation of the national bank was indeed unconstitutional. Hamilton and Jefferson also clashed over their views on the way in which American commerce should develop and expand, as well as its effect on the American way of life. Hamilton believed that the expansion of industry and manufacture would allow America to expand into the world trade market that would otherwise rapidly leave America behind. Hamilton believed this expansion would lead to many advantages for the nation as a world power as well as for the quality of living for its people.
As we would expect, Jefferson disagreed with Hamilton's opinions on industry and commerce in America. Jefferson staunchly contested hat it was the importance of traditional agriculture that American citizens should focus on. Unlike Hamilton, Jefferson viewed the thriving industrial world in Europe as corrupt and chaotic. Simply saying Jefferson believed that there was so much work to be done with rural land in America there was no great need for the people to worry about machinery and industry. The issues between Jefferson and Hamilton did not end when Washington left office, if anything, after president john Adams was elected in 1796 they grew larger.
Drawing conclusions from the research carried out during this essay, I conclude that while both Hamilton and Jefferson's political and economical views and beliefs greatly differ, there is no arguing that both contributed immensely to the growth of the United States of America during their lives. Both had very differing beliefs on the past, present and future of their country and acted according to what they believed was in the best interests of America. Although we may agree or disagree with some or all of their ideas and opinions, we cannot question their patriotism and unquestionable loyalty to America. Both men wanted the American nation to be strong and prosper long after their lives were over and we cannot question the fact that they succeeded brilliantly. Reference Boller, Paul E. Jr.
Political figures in American History. New Jersey: Prentice Hall Publishing. (1992)
Free research essays on topics related to: alexander hamilton, jefferson believed, ruling class, thomas jefferson, american way of life
Research essay sample on American Way Of Life Jefferson Believed
