Question

OPINION: Considering all of the differing views between Hamilton and Jefferson, which set of opinions do you believe is likely to cause the most amount of division between the two men? In other words, which issue would the two sides feel strongest about and prevent them from coming together or compromising with the other? Explain your thinking.

Answer 1

I believe the issue that would likely cause the most division between Hamilton and Jefferson would be their differing views on the role of the federal government in the economy. Hamilton believed in a strong central government that was heavily involved in promoting industry and commerce through things like tariffs, a national bank, and government subsidies. Jefferson, on the other hand, believed in a more limited role for the federal government and thought that too much government intervention in the economy could lead to corruption and favoritism towards the wealthy.

Both men held strong convictions about their beliefs and saw them as essential for the success and well-being of the country. For Hamilton, economic development was crucial for the growth and stability of the United States, while for Jefferson, maintaining individual freedom and preventing the concentration of power in the hands of a few was paramount. These fundamental differences in ideology would have made it difficult for them to compromise on economic policies, as each saw the other's position as fundamentally opposed to their own values and vision for the country.

In conclusion, I believe that the issue of the role of the federal government in the economy would have been the most divisive between Hamilton and Jefferson, as it represented a clash of deeply held beliefs and visions for the future of the United States that would have made compromise or coming together on this issue very challenging.