Hamilton and Jefferson Discussion Essay (Critical Writing)

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To begin this study, it will be worth noting that both Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson had their individual differences in ideologies especially in the way of thinking and politically. As a result, the study was quick to reveal that there were huge differences in the programs they started when they were in government.

Their family background could have been a determining factor to each of their program considering that Jefferson came from a wealthier and aristocratic family compared to Hamilton’s family. In addition, Jefferson was once a leader of Democratic-Republican Party whereas Hamilton served under the leadership of Federal Party. The political differences were the major source of the hatred the two had regarding their programs.

To start with, Hamilton preferred a strong central government. As a result, his program evolved around issues to strengthen the government. That is why he was determined to settle the debts on the government before working on a stronger central government.

In this regard, Hamilton came up with means of settling the debts in which the citizens were supposed to buy some securities in form of bond to help the government pay off the debts.

The financial program was the central role of Hamilton as he empowered the local agricultural sector and banking sector to overpower the British trading activities in the United States. This led to initiation of Bank of United States and Central Bank that was similar to that in the United Kingdom. This reduced over reliance to British government.

On the other hand, Jefferson was a strict constructionist politically and he believed in very weak central government. His program pioneered to champion the states’ right and civil liberties. This meant that his program was meant to empower the people unlike the Hamilton’s program that given the central government the power.

The burden to advocate for people’s presence can be related to some of the statements made by Jefferson. For instance he said, “A government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have. The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases” (Dolbeare, & Cummings, 2009, p. 150).

In addition, “The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the constitution so the second will not become the legalized version of the first” (Dolbeare, & Cummings, 2009, p. 151).

The above programs presented two different ideas that require critical analysis before endorsing any of them. However, the Hamilton’s program was and still the preferred program because it led to economic independence in the United States.

The introduction of banking and settling the previous debts helped the United States to recover economically. In addition, the central government has been fundamental ruling this super power nation.

More so, the Jefferson’s program had some issues likely to help the citizens but his proffered government was not applicable in the United States. There has been tendency of strong central governments that can finance various programs such as health, education, security among others. Therefore, it was expected that weak government could not be carried out hence the increased hatred between the two leaders.

From the above programs, it seemed that the current American government has been centered at the Hamilton’s program. This come up with many achievements to the United States as it enjoys the global presence in banking, and strengthening of the government.

In fact, it is among the super power nations based on the governance achievement. Despite the critics and antagonism from Jefferson, Hamilton’s program had gone beyond a vision on centralized banking country.

Reference

Dolbeare, K.M., & Cummings, M. S. (2009). American Political Thought (6th ed.). Washington, D.C.: CQ Press.

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