Alexander Hamilton vs. Thomas Jefferson

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Two competing political philosophies have always existed throughout the United States’ relatively short history: one seeking to increase the power of the central government, and one seeking to decrease it. During the 1800s, these two conflicting philosophies emerged in confrontations between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. Thomas Jefferson promoted escalating the common man’s role in government. Alexander Hamilton, however, advocated the significance of a sturdy central government in leading the country forward. Both Thomas Jefferson’s and Andrew Hamilton’s beliefs and views helped to shape the United States into the country it is today. Although both men had excellent intentions for the future of America, their desires for America and its government conflicted in numerous ways. One important conflict between Jefferson and Hamilton was their opinion on the type of government the United States should have. Jefferson felt that a government run by the majority would be the most ideal form of government. He says, “After all, it is my principle that the will of the Majority should always prevail. If they approve the proposed Convention in all it’s parts, I shall concur in it cheerfully, in hopes that they will amend whenever they shall find it work wrong” (25). Jefferson wants the masses to take an active role in the government. If they feel that something is unconstitutional, then they should have it amended. The government should be in the hands of the people in order to have a successful government. Jefferson felt that massed were well educated and capable of governing a country. Hamilton, however felt that popular government would be beneficial to the United States, rather than government ruled by majority. “The voice of the people has been said to be the voice of God; and however generally this maxim has been quoted and believed, it is not true in fact. The
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