Jefferson vs Hamilton Dbq
Colin Foster Honors History DBQ Mr. Riordan
Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson were two great leaders who had differing opinions on numerous issues. Alexander Hamilton interpreted the constitution loosely and was for a strong government while Thomas Jefferson strictly interpreted the constitution and was for states rights. Federalist ideals represented Hamilton's opinions while Jefferson’s opposing views were found in the DemocraticRepublicans. Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson had contrasting views on key issues. A key issue debated on by Jefferson and Hamilton was the constitutionality of a Bank of the United States. Jefferson believed the bank was unconstitutional due to his strict interpretation of the Constitution.(Doc A) Although he believed a bank was overstepping the constitutional boundaries and advocated against it, Jefferson did not destroy it during his presidency. Hamilton thought a Bank of the United States was constitutional due to his loose interpretation of the Constitution due to the Necessary and Proper Clause.(Doc B) Jefferson disagreed with Hamilton stating that all powers not declared in the constitution were delegated to the states. The Alien and Sedition Acts caused quarrel between Hamilton and Jefferson. Enacted by the Federalists, the Alien Act arrested and deported illegal aliens while the Sedition Act limited criticism of the government. (Doc F) The acts sparked the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions which, penned by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, were responses to the Alien and Sedition Acts declaring them
null and void.(Doc H) In response to the resolutions Rhode Island, along with several other Federalist states, declared it was unconstitutional to nullify the Alien and Sedition Acts as doing so would blend legislative and judicial powers.(Doc I) Once elected president, Jefferson repealed these acts and even stated in his Inaugural Address that strangers unused to writing or speaking freely could do so now.(Doc
Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson were two great leaders who had differing opinions on numerous issues. Alexander Hamilton interpreted the constitution loosely and was for a strong government while Thomas Jefferson strictly interpreted the constitution and was for states rights. Federalist ideals represented Hamilton's opinions while Jefferson’s opposing views were found in the DemocraticRepublicans. Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson had contrasting views on key issues. A key issue debated on by Jefferson and Hamilton was the constitutionality of a Bank of the United States. Jefferson believed the bank was unconstitutional due to his strict interpretation of the Constitution.(Doc A) Although he believed a bank was overstepping the constitutional boundaries and advocated against it, Jefferson did not destroy it during his presidency. Hamilton thought a Bank of the United States was constitutional due to his loose interpretation of the Constitution due to the Necessary and Proper Clause.(Doc B) Jefferson disagreed with Hamilton stating that all powers not declared in the constitution were delegated to the states. The Alien and Sedition Acts caused quarrel between Hamilton and Jefferson. Enacted by the Federalists, the Alien Act arrested and deported illegal aliens while the Sedition Act limited criticism of the government. (Doc F) The acts sparked the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions which, penned by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, were responses to the Alien and Sedition Acts declaring them
null and void.(Doc H) In response to the resolutions Rhode Island, along with several other Federalist states, declared it was unconstitutional to nullify the Alien and Sedition Acts as doing so would blend legislative and judicial powers.(Doc I) Once elected president, Jefferson repealed these acts and even stated in his Inaugural Address that strangers unused to writing or speaking freely could do so now.(Doc