The Early Republic Conflict between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton

The Early Republic Chronology: 1776 – Declaration of Independence 1781 – Articles of Confederation 1789 – Federal Constitution 1791 – Bill of rights added to the Constitution

Thomas Jefferson Author of the Declaration of independence Secretary of State in President Washington’s Cabinet Believed in a loose interpretation of the constitution.

Alexander Hamilton Delegate to the Constitutional Convention Was Secretary of the Treasury in George Washington’s Cabinet Favored a loose interpretation of the Constitution.

George Washington Became the fist chief executive of the new Republic. Put his stamp on the new government by creating the presidents Cabinet Sided with Hamilton more than Jefferson.

Conflict Alexander Hamilton favored that the national government assume the debts of the states. To pay the debt he wanted an excise tax, and tariffs and establish a national bank. He wanted the nations’ capital to be established in Philadelphia or new York.

Conflict Thomas Jefferson wanted the states to be responsible for their own debt. He and other southerners wanted the capital to be located in the South. Thomas Jefferson opposed creation of a national bank because there was nothing about it in the Constitution.

Compromise The national capital would be located in the South after moving from New York to Philadelphia to a place to be chosen at a future time. In return the Southern interests would support the assumption of all debts by the national government.

Break Alexander Hamilton pushes for the creation of a National Bank, based on the idea that a national bank is one way to control commerce. When President Washington supports Alexander Hamilton over the objects of Thomas Jefferson, he resigns from the Cabinet.

Alexander Hamilton’s Views Democracy: The best course for the United States is government by an aristocracy. The Federal Government: A powerful federal government is necessary to ensure the peace and liberty of the states.

Alexander Hamilton’s Views The Economy: Government should encourage the growth of cities, manufacturing, and shipping. Tariffs are necessary to protect American industry. The federal government should assume state debts and establish a national bank. A national debt, if not large can aid the economy.

Alexander Hamilton’s Views The President and Congress: The President should serve in office for life. A lifetime senate should be recruited only from men of property. The Law: Congress has the authority top enact any legislation that is necessary and proper for the security, growth, and well-being of the United States.

Democratic – Republicans Views Democracy: The common people will make just and wise decisions. The Federal Government: A centralized federal government infringes on the rights of the individual and leads to abuse of power.

Democratic – Republicans Views The economy: The United States would be better off to remain an agricultural nation. Tariffs are harmful to the farmer and the American economy. States should pay their own debts. A Bank of the United States is not necessary. A national debt should not be permitted.

Democratic – Republicans Views The President and Congress: Everybody should have an equal opportunity to serve in public office. Elections should be held regularly and often. The Law: Congress should have the power to do only what the Constitution explicitly authorizes it to do.

Origins of the Political parties Alexander Hamilton organized the first political parties as a way of promoting his program for the new country. When Thomas Jefferson broke ranks with the “federalists” individuals began to create a party in opposition to the Federalists and became known as the Jeffersonian – Democrats.

Federalist Views Foreign policy: Supporting England in its war with France during the Napoleonic Era. Foreign relations: Create a protective tariff that will protect infant American industries from domination by Great Britain but at the same time be on friendly terms with Great Britain.

Federalist Views Immigration: Restrict immigration because new immigrants tended to support Jeffersonian policies over Federalists policies. The alien acts also allowed foreigners to be deported during wartime.

Federalist Views National Government: Support of a strong central government as a way to protect the economic and political interests of the new republic. Navy: Create a strong Navy to protect American manufacturing and shipping interests.

Jeffersonian - Democratic Views Foreign policy: Supporting France in its war with England during the Napoleonic Era Foreign Relations: No special favors for manufactures rely on American farmers as the key to American prosperity and are on friendly terms with France because of their help during the Revolution.

Democratic – Republicans Views Immigration policy: Welcome new immigrants because they tended to have similar interests to Jefferson especially after the Federalist party pasted the Alien acts that raised the residency requirement to 14 years.

Democratic – Republicans Views National Government: Favor a weak central government as a way to protect political and economic interests of the new republic. Navy: Create a minimal navy that would be used to protect the American coastline. A strong navy would not be needed because American interests would be concentrated away from the coastal areas.

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