The New Republic Jefferson Vs. Hamilton

First Administration under the Constitution George Washington is the first President. John Adams is the first Vice-Pres.

Alexander Hamilton is the First Secretary of Treasury Born poor in Nevis (island in Caribbean). Lawyer from New York. Aide to George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Becomes leader of the Federalists.

Thomas Jefferson is the First Secretary of State Rich Planter from Virginia. Governor of VA during War. Author of Dec. of Indep. Becomes leader of the Democratic- Republicans. (later just Democrats)

Ideas on Political Parties Political Parties are thought to be bad— everybody is supposed to be concerned about the public good. But quickly, disagreements begin to occur between Jefferson and Hamilton.

What Hamilton is for: 1. A very strong national Govt. 2. Govt. should aide in the development of manufacturing to create a more diversified economy. 3. Distrusts “the people.” Thinks that the rich should decide things. 4. Favors England.

What Jefferson is for: Favors “States’ Rights.” Wants a limited Federal Govt. Thinks farming is good — manufacturing bad. Wants a country of small, independent farmers. Believes that “The People” are good. Favors France.

Hamilton or Jefferson Federalist First Sec. of Treasury. Supports France Thinks US should stick to farming. Doesn’t think “common” people should have much of a say in government. First Sec. of Treasury. Wants powerful national government. Favors a strict interpretation of the Constitution. Thought the govt. should encourage manufacturing.

Hamilton’s Financial Plan Wanted to link the wealthy and powerful to the national govt. New govt. should take responsibility for existing Revolutionary War debt. A. National Debt = Certificates (“Funding the Debt”). B. State Debts = “Assumption.” Hamilton’s System would create a permanent national debt (“A blessing, not a curse”).

Deal with the Opposition Madison and Jefferson emerge as leaders of opposition to Hamilton’s plans. Strike deal over dinner to get passage of assumption of state debt in exchange for moving federal capital from Philadelphia to the South (How Washington D.C. is created).

Soon, people begin to support one or the other. Those that follow Hamilton are called the Federalists. Those that follow Jefferson are called Democratic-Republicans (later they just become Democrats).

Questions Describe Hamilton’s vision for the US economy. How does it compare to Jefferson’s? Discuss Hamilton’s view on whether government power should be at the state or national level. How does this compare to Jefferson’s? Discuss Hamilton’s view on regular people. How does it compare with Jefferson’s?

Section 3 Notes

The French Revolution Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans support the Revolution. Hamilton and the Federalists don’t—they see it as the common people getting out of control. Soon, France and England go to War. The Democratic-Republicans support France. The Federalists support England.

Alien and Sedition Acts John Adams became President after Washington served 2-terms. A lot of people from France (as well as Democratic-Republicans) were trying to get the US to help France and go to war with England. Adams and the Federalists passed the Alien and Sedition Acts.

Alien Act —Gave the president the power to deport any aliens that he thought were “dangerous to the peace and safety of the US.” Sedition Act —Made it a crime to say or print anything bad about the President or the government. These laws were so unpopular that Adams lost to Jefferson in 1800.