Today’s Goal 15-September-09

• To Compare and Contrast the political philosophies of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. The struggle between States’ Rights and the Strength of the Central Government.– 2 Day Goal…FYI

Quick Review…

• Articles of Confederation• Daniel Shays• Philadelphia Convention• New Constitution

• Local Control vs. Distant Authority• Bill of Rights

Washington as 1st President

• What made G.W. a great leader?– Charisma– Prestige– Integrity– Realization of his own limits• THE CABINET

Washington’s Cabinet

• G.W. decided to surround himself with knowledgeable advisors…

– Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State– Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury

How different were they?Source of Governmental Power

Hamilton• A.H. believed that

government needed to protect the elite and that the power should be in the hands of the elite.

Jefferson• T.J. believed in the

“common man” and that the power of government came FROM the people and should be used to protect them.

How different were they?The Future of the United States

Hamilton• A.H. believed that the

United States had the potential to be a mercantile power. He envisioned an industrial future.

Jefferson• T.J. believed in an “Agrarian

Ideal.” He envisioned an America of farmers. He believed farming to be the noblest profession and in tune with the Spirit of the American Revolution.

How different were they?View on the Power in the Federal System

Central State

How different were they? View on the Power in the Federal System

Hamilton• A.H. believed that the

central government needed to have more power than the individual states in MOST areas of governing.

Jefferson• T.J. believed that the central

government was there to do only what was necessary. The REAL power should be in the states.

How different were they? Constitution Construction (Interpretation)

Hamilton• A.H. believed that the

Constitution could and should be LOOSELY interpreted.– Constitution was meant to be

applied where and when needed.

Jefferson• T.J. believed that the

Constitution should be STRICTLY interpreted.– If it was not written in the

Constitution then it technically could not be done.

How different were they? Quotes on Power

Hamilton• “Constitutions should

consist only of general provisions; the reason is that they must necessarily be permanent, and that they cannot calculate for the possible change of things. ”Alexander Hamilton .

Jefferson• "When an instrument admits two

constructions, the one safe, the other dangerous, the one precise, the other indefinite, I prefer that which is safe and precise. I had rather ask an enlargement of power from the nation, where it is found necessary, than to assume it by a construction which would make our powers boundless."

--Thomas Jefferson to Wilson Nicholas, 1803..

How different were they? Constitutional Justification for View

Hamilton• “To make all laws which shall

be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof..”

Article I Section 8 of the US Constitution

Jefferson• “The powers not delegated to

the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people..”

Amendment X (ten) to the US Constitution

Today’s Goal 15-September-09

• To Compare and Contrast the political philosophies of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. The struggle between States’ Rights and the Strength of the Central Government.

• Tomorrow we will reveal their philosophy in practice.

• BRING YOUR TEXTBOOK TOMORROW!!!