The Vision of America: Hamilton v. Jefferson Essay (Critical Writing)

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In 1787, stakeholders convened in Philadelphia to draft a new constitution. Key considerations entailed the need to review various provisions in the Articles of Confederation. However, the failure to reach a consensus promoted the abandonment of the Articles, and the onset of the drafting of a new constitution.

This new document required the approval of at least nine states before it could take effect within the United States. Although numerous controversies and disagreements faced the creation of the new constitution, its ratification by eleven states was a milestone in American history.

The Virgin Plan promoted the establishment of a central form of government that would adopt a people-oriented approach. Madison’s proposal of three distinct elements of governance gave citizens control over the executive and judiciary. Conflicts between the Virgin Plan and propositions by representatives of small states led to the introduction of the New Jersey Plan.

Small-states’ representatives viewed the proposal concerning the adoption of a general voting for representatives to the lower legislative, rather than the one-state-one-vote approach, as an unfavorable concept (Foner 258). The New Jersey Plan incorporated various aspects within the Articles of Confederation that promoted the adoption of a unicameral legislature in which the vote per state stipulation remained valid.

While the Virgin Plan focused on the inclusion of the public in key aspects of national governance and policymaking, the New Jersey Plan presented recommendations that sought to provide some level of influence to states with low populations, and minimize the dominance by states with high populations in crucial aspects of governance.

Although both Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson sought the building of a people-oriented country, they differed in their views concerning appropriate approaches that would help America to achieve various objectives. While Hamilton promoted the need to restrict leadership roles to the affluent and educated individuals, Jefferson viewed the government as an entity that could guarantee optimal results through the reliance on the public as decision makers.

Another consideration is Hamilton’s support for the establishment of a national government while Jefferson encouraged the inception of a state government. Hamilton and Jefferson differed on various aspects of the economy such as the necessity of a national debt, an agriculture driven versus urban and infrastructural boosted economy, and the distinction between the powers of state governments and the national government.

Thomas Jefferson’s views on appropriate governance, as the creation of an entity, which would allow the public to participate in policymaking, highlights aspects similar to Madison’s assertion within the Virgin Plan. On the other hand, Hamilton’s propositions depict aspects of imbalanced governance in which the minority influence decisions that affect the whole population. This demonstrates that he would adopt the New Jersey Plan.

The consensus among delegates on the need to promoted unity between states rather than focusing on aspects of equality led to minimal considerations on the issue of slavery. An analysis of the stipulations in the constitution illustrates aspects that strengthened the institution of slavery (Foner 259). The Fugitive Clause and the Three-Fifths Formula gave slave states significant levels of control over slaves.

As a citizen of the new American Republic in 1790, I would have favored Madison’s views of a central government as it gives control to the public over crucial aspects of policymaking and leadership. I would have favored the Virgin plan because it clearly outlines the structuring of the government, roles of legislatures and the power bestowed upon the public.

Works Cited

Foner, Eric. Give me liberty!: an American history. 3rd ed. New York: W W Norton & Company Incorporated, 2012. Print.

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