1. The Original Odd Couple
Hamilton vs. Jefferson
The Original Odd Couple

2. Presidential Advisors
Hamilton and Jefferson both served in Washington’s Cabinet. Jefferson was Secretary of State and Hamilton was the Secretary of the Treasury.

3. Alexander Hamilton
Thought America’s future should be in developing cities, like his home town of New York.
Trusted banks and financiers.
Wanted to build up American industry.
Was most popular in the Northeast.

4. Thomas Jefferson
Thought farmers were God’s most perfect, virtuous citizens.
Lived in the country at his Virginia plantation home of Monticello.
Distrusted bankers to whom he was deeply in debt.
Thought that America’s economy should be based on agriculture.

5. Hamilton
Thought the federal government would promote law and order, peace and stability, and a good environment for business.
Distrusted the states and sectional interests.
Favored a loose interpretation of the Constitution which gave the federal government broad powers.
Admired the British for their economic and military strength.
Felt that rulers should be from the well-educated, rich, elite classes.

6. Jefferson
Thought that the Federal government should be kept small and weak.
Trusted the states to govern themselves.
Believed in a strict limited interpretation of the Constitution that restricted the power of the federal government.
Favored France because of their love of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Thought farmers and common citizens should enjoy freedom and lead nation.