Jefferson vs. Hamilton

Personal Background

I was born in the West Indies. I am charming and ambitious. I served as an aide to Washington during the Revolutionary War. I was also a delegate during the Constitutional Convention.

Personal Background

I was born into a wealthy family that owned a large plantationin Virginia. I inherited my family’s land and began a tobacco plantation. I wrote theDeclaration of Independence.

Nature of Human Beings

People are ignorant, selfish, and

untrustworthy. People do not make decisions

based on what is good for everyone.Asmall, sensible groupof men must govern

the people.

Nature of Human Beings

People, when given enough information, are capable of

making smart decisions. But power concentrated in the

hands of a few leaderscould be dangerous. The power

of government should restwith the people so all interests

are represented.

Ideal Economy

An elite few should lead America’s economy. We should

be an industrial economy. there should also be a national

bank, which could tie the interests of business leadersto the federal government.

Ideal Economy

The common man should be at the center of the economy. Weshould have a nation of small,

independent farmers. Because people will be self-sufficient, the government won’t have to

take an active role in the economy.

Best Type of Government

I support a strong central government. Power should be given to the few men that have

the talent to govern properlyfor the good of all the people. States would only focus on

their own self-interest.

Best Type of Government

The states should have more power. Government power shouldnot be concentrated in one federal

government, but it should be spread out among the states. States should

also spread out decision-makingpower to their communities.

Relations with Britain and France

I side with Britain. I respect Britain’s power and order, and I am shocked by the violence and chaos in France.

Relations with Britain and France

I favor France over Britain. But I disagree with Citizen Genet, who has been sent to try and persuadeour country to fight in the war against Britain.

“I consider the foundation of the Constitution as laid on this ground---that all powers not delegate [given] to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states, or to the people…”

“Our country is too large to have all affairs directed by a single government.”

“All communities divide themselves into the few and the many. The first are rich and well born; the other, the mass of people…The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge or determine right. Give therefore to the first class a…permanent share in the government…they therefore will ever maintain good government.”

“The superiority…enjoyed by nations that have…perfected a branch of industry constitutes a…formidable obstacle.”