Discussion Topic
One of the many issues over which Federalists and Democratic-Republicans disagreed was whether to establish a national bank. In this discussion, you'll read the arguments of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson to better understand each man's position on this question.
After reading their arguments, answer the questions below. You should post to the discussion at least twice.
- What exactly did Hamilton argue?
- What exactly did Jefferson argue?
- Do you agree with your classmates' interpretations of their arguments?
- Who do you think had a better argument? Why?
- Does either author use evidence that is or isn't especially convincing? Explain.
- Based on information from your textbook or from the study, what do you know about these men that may better help you understand their arguments?
- What other arguments might these men use in a political speech to gain support for their side?
Required Reading
Before you enter the discussion, be sure to click reading and read the following documents:
- Hamilton Argues for the Constitutionality of the National Bank
- Jefferson Argues Against the Constitutionality of a National Bank
Scoring
This discussion is worth a maximum of 15 points. You'll get 10 points for your first post. Your instructor will give you another 5 points if you post a follow-up comment or question that furthers the discussion.
Original:
ReplyDeleteAlexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson were on completely different sides of the political spectrum. Hamilton, considered leader of the Federalist, believed in a loose interpretation of the Constitution, a strong national government, and a National Bank. Hamilton wanted Congress to charter a bank that would be partly owned by the national government. He argued that the Bank of the United States would control the collection and expenditures of federal fund and stimulate the economic growth by financing new business enterprises. Jefferson, considered leader of the Anti-Federalist, believed government was a necessary evil, in which its main purpose was to restrict the freedoms of the individual. Jefferson did not believe in a national bank because the Constitution did not specifically grant power to Congress to create on and it gave too much power to the national government.
Original:
ReplyDeleteWith the start of a new government, the major issue that arose was the national bank. Hamilton sided with having a national bank, he believed that the national bank would provide a stable way for the developing United States to have more business and commercial development. Jefferson disagreed with Hamilton on the national bank, he believed that it was not specified in the U.S. Constitution for the government to enable a bank. Jefferson argued although congress had the power to collect taxes and regulate currency, the necessary and proper clause did not seem necessary to enable a bank. I think Jefferson had a better argument because such powers were not listed in the constitution, and congress should not try to extent its powers to unnecessary actions.
To Shevana:
ReplyDeleteI did not know that Jefferson believed it was a necessary evil, does he mean that congress would be granted too many powers? Or does that have another definition?
Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, although both originally part of Washingtons adinistration, held completley different political views. Thomas Jefferson was an anti-federalist, who believed in a strict view of the constitution and was a firm believer in states rights. On the other hand, Hamilton was a Federalist, who held a loose view of the constitution and believed in a strong central government. I believe that Jefferson had a better argument because his was more concrete. Jefferson stated that the National Bank (and other Federalist policies) were not present in the constitution...the law of the land.
ReplyDeleteNaomi: I agree with your assessment that Thomas Jefferson had a better argument, but what do you think about Jefferson making the Louisiana purchase? where he took a loose contructionist view?
ReplyDeleteBoth Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson had contrasting political views. Hamilton was a Federalist who believed in having a National Bank based on his very loose interpretation of the Constitution and his belief in a strong central government. Jefferson on the other hand was an anti-federalist who disagreed with the creation of a national government because he believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution which did not believe in the Bank being something Necessary and Proper to continue running the country.
ReplyDeletexander
ReplyDeleteI also believe that Jefferson had the better argument based on the fact the interpretting what exactly is necessary and proper for running the country successfully is a whole debate in itself.
Original:
ReplyDeleteRegarding a National Bank, Jefferson and Hamilton had completely opposite ideas. Hamilton argued that a National Bank would help the United States develop commercially and economically, as well as helping to unite the nation under one single form of currency. Jefferson, however, disagreed, saying that Congress had the ability to collect taxes and regulate currency. I believe that Jefferson had the better argument at the time because there was no mention of a National Bank in the Constitution. However, the construction of the bank did significantly help the country as time went on.
To Shevana:
ReplyDeleteI think that it is also important to note that one of Jefferson's reasons that he didn't support a strong central government was his positive view of French society and their revolt against their government.
Original: Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton clearly had clashing views about the national bank stemming from their position in the government, Jefferson was a anti-federalist who had strong belief in the states and branched away from a loose interpretation of the constitution. Alexander Hamilton was a federalist and posed a weaker argument towards the national bank. Thomas Jefferson believed the National Bank was not completely necessary and that the national government originally adopted the ability to collect taxes and such , Alexander Hamilton thought it was an idea that would stimulate the economy.
ReplyDeleteAlexander Hamilton argued for the national government to issue a charter for a national bank. He stated that Any sovereign government, by definition, has the right to apply its power by all appropriate means. He wanted the finances of the new nation to be better organized. A national bank would be able to regulate currency and organize tax money.
ReplyDeleteTo: Shevana
ReplyDeleteI understand and agree with your concept regarding Hamilton and Jefferson being on opposite ends of the political spectrum. Jefferson's strict interpretation of the Constitution did not comply with Hamilton's philosophies on expansion and loose application of constitutional policies.