Between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, how did Alexander create a greater lasting influence upon the American political traditions as a result of their political principles and philosophy?
Here are some excellent sites on Hamilton.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=+Alexander+Hamilton%27s+effect+on+political+policy&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=
i have already looked at these sources and i need specific ones that really showcase how he was a really good politician and more on his PHILOSOPHIES
These two talk particularly about his philosophy and its contrast with Jefferson's.
http://www.americanrevolution.com/AlexanderHamilton.htm
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~cap/ham/hampltcs.html
http://www.covenantnews.com/cronkrite050125.htm
These sites address Hamilton's philosophies.
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~cap/ham/hampltcs.html
http://en.citizendium.org/wiki/Alexander_Hamilton
http://www.covenantnews.com/cronkrite050125.htm
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9902e3d9143bf936a15757c0a9629c8b63
http://publius.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/citation/9/2/99
To assess the lasting influence of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson on American political traditions, we need to examine their political principles and philosophies.
Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, was a Federalist who advocated for a strong central government and economic modernization. His views and actions carried significant influence that continues to shape American political traditions.
1. Economic Policies: Hamilton believed in a strong economic foundation to support the new nation, emphasizing the importance of industrialization, trade, and the establishment of a national bank. His establishment of financial institutions, fiscal policies, and plans for national economic development set the groundwork for America's economic system.
2. Strong Federal Government: Hamilton advocated for a powerful central government to maintain unity and stability. He played a vital role in drafting the Constitution and promoting its adoption. As a result, his vision of a federal government with broad powers has endured and shaped the American political system.
3. Expansive Interpretation of Constitution: Hamilton's philosophy of "implied powers" allowed for a flexible interpretation of the Constitution and enabled the federal government to take action even if it was not explicitly mentioned in the document. This broad interpretation has been used to justify various federal actions and remains relevant in American constitutional law.
Moreover, Hamilton's establishment of the Federalist Party laid the foundations for the modern two-party system, which continues to shape American politics.
While Thomas Jefferson, as a Democratic-Republican, had a profound impact on American political thought, his influence was not as lasting as Hamilton's.
1. Agrarian Society: Jefferson favored an agrarian society with limited government intervention and power. His vision appealed to many during his time, but as America transitioned into an industrialized nation, his views on economic development became less influential.
2. Emphasis on States' Rights: Jefferson believed in strong states' rights, advocating for restricted federal power. Though this principle has had lasting influence in certain sectors and issues, such as the debate over federalism, it has not been as widely embraced as Hamilton's vision of a powerful federal government.
3. Declaration of Independence: Jefferson's legacy is largely associated with his writing of the Declaration of Independence, which eloquently expresses fundamental American principles. However, his influence primarily rests on his ideas about individual liberty and natural rights rather than on his political governance philosophy.
In conclusion, Alexander Hamilton's lasting influence on American political traditions is primarily due to his economic policies, emphasis on a strong federal government, and the enduring impact of his broader interpretation of the Constitution. While Thomas Jefferson's contributions are significant, they have been overshadowed by Hamilton's enduring influence on the structure and functioning of the American political system.