Alexander Hamilton's recommendation for creating a national bank is an example of
A. a strict interpretation of the Constitution
B. a violation of states' rights
C. a loose interpretation of the Constitution
D. a power given by the federal government
C. a loose interpretation of the Constitution
C. a loose interpretation of the Constitution
To determine the correct answer, let's analyze Alexander Hamilton's recommendation for creating a national bank.
Hamilton, as the first Secretary of the Treasury under President George Washington, proposed creating a national bank to manage the country's finances and establish economic stability. This recommendation reflected Hamilton's interpretation of the powers granted to the federal government in the Constitution.
A. A strict interpretation of the Constitution is when one believes that the federal government should only exercise powers explicitly granted to it in the Constitution. Hamilton's recommendation for a national bank went beyond that, as the Constitution does not explicitly mention the creation of a national bank.
B. Violation of states' rights refers to actions that infringe upon the powers and sovereignty of individual states. While the creation of a national bank could be seen as infringing upon the individual states' ability to manage their own finances, Hamilton argued that a national bank would promote economic stability and benefit all states. Therefore, it is not a violation of states' rights.
C. A loose interpretation of the Constitution is when one believes that the federal government should have the power to take actions that are not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but are necessary and proper for carrying out its duties. This aligns with Hamilton's perspective on the creation of a national bank, as he argued that it would be necessary and proper for the federal government to manage the country's finances effectively.
D. A power given by the federal government refers to authority explicitly granted to the federal government in the Constitution. Although the Constitution does not explicitly grant the federal government the power to establish a national bank, Hamilton interpreted the necessary and proper clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution to provide the authority for such action.
Given the explanation above, the correct answer is C. a loose interpretation of the Constitution, as Hamilton's recommendation for creating a national bank aligned with his belief in the necessary and proper powers of the federal government.