8.36 Explain the strict vs loose interpretation of the constitution and how conflicts between Thomas Jefferson and alexander Hamilton resulted in the emergence of two political parties by analyzing their views of foreign policy, economic policy (including national bank), funding, and assumption of the revolutionary diet.

Who was Thomas Jefferson?

Thomas jefferson READ ARTICLE AND WRITE DOWN NOTES ON THOMAS JEFFERSON IF YOU WANT TO BULLET THE NOTES THAT IS OKAY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAt1YLP3T34

Who was alexander Hamilton?

Strict vs loose interpretation of the constitution

-const. should be taken literally -govrn. Should be weak Thomas Jefferson -const. should be taken literally -govrn. Should be weak -was a democratic rep. -economy should stay agriculturally based - Rule by the people Alexander Hamilton -const. could be taken loosely -implied powers could be used -Govrn. Should be strong and have A lot of power -Economy should lean towards Urban manufacturing -Rule by the wealthy class -they both believed in American freedom and independence -helped America during the AR war

Foreign policy funding economic policy Hamilton Jefferson Student research Student research

Hamilton and National finances Treasury secretary Alexander Hamilton’s biggest challenge was paying off the national debt (money owed by the United States). The United States owed $11.7 million to foreign countries and $40.4 million to U.S. citizens. Hamilton planned to pay foreign debt first, and all debt at full value. Some politicians, including Thomas Jefferson, opposed the plan, but Hamilton went ahead with it.

State’s debts States owed $25 million for Revolutionary War expenses. Hamilton wanted the federal government to pay part of the states’ debts to help the national economy. The South did not want the federal government to pay states’ debts. Hamilton won the South’s support by getting northern approval to move the national capital from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.

Hamilton wanted a national bank Hamilton wanted a national bank in which the government could safely deposit its money. The bank would also make loans to the government and to businesses. Hamilton knew that states’ rights supporters would oppose his idea. He suggested limiting the bank to a 20-year charter.

Opponents Supporters Jefferson and Madison said Hamilton’s economic plans gave too much power to the national government and that the Constitution did not give Congress the power to create the bank. They favored a strict construction view of the Constitution— the government should do only what the Constitution says it can do. Hamilton believed in a loose construction of the Constitution—the government can take actions the Constitution does not forbid. President Washington and Congress agreed with Hamilton that it would provide stability for the U.S. economy. The Bank of the United States— the country’s first national bank—was chartered in 1791.

The U.S. Constitution Article I Section 8 Enumerated Powers: Those powers given to U.S. government expressly listed in the Constitution. General Powers: Those powers given to the U.S. government to serve the general welfare of the people. These powers are not specific. General Welfare Clause: Allows Congress to enact laws that it sees fit to support the common good. Necessary and Proper Clause: Allows Congress to enact laws that are necessary to carry out its enumerated powers.

Hand out a copy of the US Constitution Article One Section 8 to each student. What are some examples of enumerated powers? What are the benefits to having enumerated powers? (Possible responses may include: It is clear what Congress can do. It restricts the power of Congress.) What are some of the drawbacks to having enumerated powers? (Possible answers may include: If we only have these powers what happens when we develop new technology or grow as a country? Congress cannot adapt to what society may need.) Find the necessary and proper clause. Why do you think the Founding Fathers included it in the Constitution? (Possible answers may include: It allows the government to adapt to new technology. The government can grow with society.) Why might someone be wary about the necessary and proper clause? (It is not specific and the wording is vague. Because the wording is unclear, there can be many opinions.)

http://www.google.com/#newwindow=1&safe=active&q=enumerated%20powers% 20site%3Ayoutube.com&surl=1

-const. should be taken literally -govrn. Should be weak Thomas Jefferson -const. should be taken literally -govrn. Should be weak -was a democratic rep. -economy should stay agriculturally based - Rule by the people Alexander Hamilton -const. could be taken loosely -implied powers could be used -Govrn. Should be strong and have A lot of power -Economy should lean towards Urban manufacturing -Rule by the wealthy class -they both believed in American freedom and independence -helped America during the AR war

Based on what you have learned about Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, predict who you think will support the formation of a national bank and who will argue against it? Explain why using evidence from class

Problems in 1791 Revolutionary War Debt – Many states owed money after the Revolutionary War Common Currency – Before and during the Revolutionary War each state had its own system of currency. There was no uniformity in America.

Problems Continued As a new country America needed to develop its economy. Should America focus on agriculture, which it had in the past, or should it develop its trade and manufacturing?

Some people thought that a bank would help in solving the problems in 1791. Based on your knowledge of the Constitution, does Congress have the right to create this bank? Why or why not?

Groups To prepare for class, make enough copies for mixed-ability pairs of the quotes attached above. Cut each set of quotes so that each quote has its own slip of paper. Hand out the worksheet and go over the directions. Walk around and help students as some of the language is difficult. It may be helpful to write some definitions of words on the board. Their notes from the previous class and their copies of Article I may be helpful as well. (20-30 minutes) Show the film clip from PBS American Experience (linked above). Ask the students to add to their notes on the worksheet. (7-9 minutes)

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/hamilton/sfeature/scenes.html#bank

Students can write their own opinions on the bank as if they lived in 1791.

The first 2 parties Develop Federalists Anti-Federalist Thomas Jefferson Small, local government Not all the states have the same amount of debt and it is unfair to have states will little debt pay other state’s debt. People don’t trust that paper can be valuable and used instead of gold and silver. “Necessary and proper” means only whatever is absolutely necessary. Alexander Hamilton Strong federal government All the states’ debt should be absorbed by the national government, and it will pay off the debt. Since the states are now one country there should be one currency, and it should be paper. It makes life easier since gold and silver are hard to come by. “Necessary and proper” means whatever the government needs to do to solve problems. Some powers are not prohibited in the government, but are implied powers.

Jefferson Jefferson did not see the need for the bank. He also worried that if Congress created a bank, then they were abusing power and would do so in the future.

Washington’s Decision Ultimately Washington agreed with Hamilton and the first national bank was chartered for 20 years. Many spirited entrepreneurs took advantage of the loans from the bank and America’s economy grew.

Do you agree? Was a national bank necessary for the U.S. at the time? Do you believe Jefferson or Hamilton was correct in interpreting the Constitution with respect to the bank? Do you generally think Congress has too much power or not enough?