Both Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson had strong beliefs in the way they believed would benefit America most. However, I believe that many aspects, Hamilton’s beliefs overall had better structure and ideas for the government, constitution, and economy. Thomas Jefferson had views that would help protect the people, but lacked the governmental power necessary for future entanglements among other nations. Jefferson proposed “limited government control” letting each individual state govern themselves.
Alternatively, Alexander Hamilton had more realistic and structural way of the ideal government management. Hamilton proposed a “strong central government” believing that it is necessary to make large decisions regarding the welfare of all the nations people. At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Hamilton argued that neither the New Jersey Plan, nor the Virginia Plan would work for the current situation. Instead, he suggested that the government should be divided into an Executive, Judicial, and Legislative. Hamilton believed that dividing the government into three branches would restrict any one branch in become too powerful.
Thus, believing that the ideal government for the United States would be a strong national government. Hamilton drafted a plan for a “new, centralized national government” (Lecture I, 7), that would still allow states to retain their individuality and basic rights. He carefully drafted this plan, combining what he thought where all the best aspects from successful governments across the globe. The philosophies and ideals of Alexander Hamilton left a more enduring vision for America.
His beliefs of a having strong central government and balanced economy, are two vital structures that are present today. He had visions of the “nation on a more industrial route” and a “competitor to European markets” (Lecture I, 11), which can easily be seen today. Hamilton’s view for a strong central government proved to have great success of the new country, which can be seen today. Moving forwards, Hamilton knew a stronger federal government tasked to collect more taxes was greatly needed to support a larger military in order to protect against the threats of foreign nations. Along with a larger military, Hamilton envisioned a government that would fix the many flaws of the previous Articles of Confederation. Lastly, he thought that the government needed the ability to “issue currency and to negotiate interstate commerce” (Lecture I, 14), and have the ability to collect larger revenues.
It was the combination and execution of these three things that allowed for the United States to grow in to the power it is today.
