DBQ Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton 1783-1800
The post-revolutionary war period of the Unites States saw the establishment of the first party system and an enlarging gap in viewpoints between the wealthy and the common man. One might argue that a political party develops in response to a series of controversial issues yet to a great extent the contradictory views of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson over issues related to views of government, the role of government and social philosophy in foreign and domestic affairs, were primarily responsible for shaping the rise of political parties from 1783-1800.
Originally feared by the forefathers, the rise of political parties emerged from intense ideological struggles over views of government between two political leaders important to President Washington’s Cabinet, Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury and Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State. Alexander Hamilton exerted the most influence within the newly emerging Federalist Party. He believed that only an enlightened ruling class could produce a strong, stable and effective federal government. The government therefore needed the support of wealthy men and the promotion of manufacturing interests. Thomas Jefferson and the Republicans defended more the rights of the common man and an agrarian society with limited power from the federal government. His basic principle was grounded in a belief that the people had a more honest and disinterested influence in politics than the wealthy. The Republican Party attracted more of the common people while the Federalist Party drew support from the aristocracy. Although neither side was willing to admit to it, these institutions were known as the "first party system." Both parties stance on who should have more power in the government contributed to the largely diverse views of the common man and the wealthy man.
Hamilton and Jefferson’s differences in social philosophy over the interpretation of the Constitution and the establishment of a national bank
Originally feared by the forefathers, the rise of political parties emerged from intense ideological struggles over views of government between two political leaders important to President Washington’s Cabinet, Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury and Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State. Alexander Hamilton exerted the most influence within the newly emerging Federalist Party. He believed that only an enlightened ruling class could produce a strong, stable and effective federal government. The government therefore needed the support of wealthy men and the promotion of manufacturing interests. Thomas Jefferson and the Republicans defended more the rights of the common man and an agrarian society with limited power from the federal government. His basic principle was grounded in a belief that the people had a more honest and disinterested influence in politics than the wealthy. The Republican Party attracted more of the common people while the Federalist Party drew support from the aristocracy. Although neither side was willing to admit to it, these institutions were known as the "first party system." Both parties stance on who should have more power in the government contributed to the largely diverse views of the common man and the wealthy man.
Hamilton and Jefferson’s differences in social philosophy over the interpretation of the Constitution and the establishment of a national bank