Great Minds Go At It.

Battle Royale

Dim wit!

Dirt bag

Essential Question

• What does the Federal government have a right to do?– Keep the essential question in mind as you

read through the PowerPoint slides.

Great Debates in U.S. History

• You will be taking the side of a federalist Hamiltonian or a Democratic-Republican Jeffersonian.

• You must debate another classmate on one of four issues. The issues are:

• Loose or strict construction. Should the Constitution be interpreted loosely to grant implied powers

to the federal government?

• Manufacturing versus agriculture. Should urban commerce and manufacturing be promoted as

much as agriculture?

• Should the common people be trusted with government?

• The French Revolution. Should the United States view the French Revolution with sympathy and

approval?

Washington’s Cabinet

• Alexander Hamilton• (Secretary of

Treasury)

• Thomas Jefferson (Secretary of State)

Henry KnoxSecretary of War

Hamilton v. Jefferson• Younger (mid 30s) • Born poor orphan (illegitimate

kid) in the West Indies.• Worked his way up by sheer

ability.• Marries money• Extremely intelligent (mind is a

steel trap)• Always looks good and

charismatic• Had to overcome image of

being a bastard– Out to prove that he’s worthy

• Older• From wealthy, slave-owning

family• Superb education (mind is like

a sponge)• Well versed in all sorts of

topics• Never worried about

appearance and poor public speaker

• Trained as a lawyer• Much political experience

– Declaration of Independence– Governor of Virginia– Second Continental Congress– Diplomat to France

The Battle of Ideologies

• Hamiltonians– Skeptical of republicanism– Heart of country is wealthy

elites (aristocrats).• Average man doesn’t

know enough to govern himself.

– Human nature is evil (Thomas Hobbes & John Calvin).

• Government must thus be strong to control man’s evil impulses.

• Jeffersonians– Great faith in republicanism– Heart of country is the

small farmer. • Public education

– Man has the ability to choose to be good or evil (John Locke).

• Thus, don’t need a powerful central government. State power is sufficient.

• Emphasized civil liberties.

Hamilton v. Jefferson

• Hamiltonians• Pro British in foreign

policy.– Need to trade with G.B. to

strengthen economy

• Business, trade, industry is the future.– Favors helping special

interests and business leaders.

– Build railroads, canals, etc.

• Jeffersonians• Pro French

– France was an ally and Britain was a punk.

• Future of nation is in agriculture.– Favors helping farmers.– Against building

infrastructure

Hamilton v. Jefferson

• Hamiltonians (Federalists)

• Loose interpretation of Constitution (implied or elastic powers)– “read between the

lines”– Federal government

has power if Constitution doesn’t specify.

• Jeffersonians (Democratic-Republicans)

• Strict interpretation of Constitution.– If power is not

expressly stated then power belongs to states.

– Federal government should be small and states should make decisions.