Jefferson vs. Hamilton

[Marty McMahone]

So I've been reading Chernow's book about Hamilton. It's a really interesting story, and Chernow is good, if occasionally repetitive.

The contrast between Jefferson and Hamilton is interesting though, especially given how they tend to be seen in modern times.

Hamilton is essentially for a powerful central government, reads the Constitution flexibly, is willing to use debt to grow the government, has no issue with raising taxes and expects obedience when the government makes a decision.

Jefferson is a states' rights advocate who was uncertain about the Constitution, but reads it as a strict constructionist (at least, until he had the power of the presidency). Jefferson thought the tiny amount of taxes was too much, but also wanted the national debt eliminated.

IOW, Jefferson leans GOP and Hamilton leans Democrat -- not the way they're usually thought of.

Marty

[JGibson]

Really? I've thought of them that way for a long-time. Today's Democrats are more federalist and today's Republicans are more anti-federalist. Hamilton was definitely a federalist and Jefferson along with Madison were anti-federalist. And although Madison wrote several of the federalist papers, he was the one that added the BoR to allow the anti-federalists to sign on to the Constitution.

[Michael Press]

In article <6632a8b1-b7a9-4cc8...@googlegroups.com>,

Jefferson had his principles until he became president.
Then it was off with the gloves and on with the alien and sedition act.
Amusing from this distance.

--
Michael Press