Unit 3 TopicsUnit 3 Topics

Jefferson, Hamilton – political partiesJefferson, Hamilton – political parties Adams AdminAdams Admin Contribution of Washington, Jefferson, Contribution of Washington, Jefferson,

Hamilton, Adams, Madison, Marshall, Hamilton, Adams, Madison, Marshall, Monroe…Monroe…

Jefferson’s Presidency – “Revolution of 1800” Jefferson’s Presidency – “Revolution of 1800” or not?or not?

““Era of Good Feelings” or not?Era of Good Feelings” or not? Chapters 10, 11, 12Chapters 10, 11, 12

Federalist PeriodFederalist Period1790s1790s

Hamilton, Jefferson, WashingtonHamilton, Jefferson, Washington

Interpretation of the ConstitutionInterpretation of the Constitution Acceptance and ratification of a new Constitution / Acceptance and ratification of a new Constitution /

new Federal Govt., did not resolve the disagreements new Federal Govt., did not resolve the disagreements about the nature of government, in particular the about the nature of government, in particular the powers, strength, control of the Central Govt. powers, strength, control of the Central Govt.

On the contrary, for the next 12 yrs, American politics On the contrary, for the next 12 yrs, American politics were characterized by a level of political acrimony were characterized by a level of political acrimony about these issues seldom matched in any period about these issues seldom matched in any period

The framers had The framers had ““papered over many disagreements, papered over many disagreements, not solved themnot solved them””. As a result disagreements survived . As a result disagreements survived to plague the new governmentto plague the new government

Everyone agreed that the Federal Govt. should be strong Everyone agreed that the Federal Govt. should be strong –– but how strong - very strong? how strong should the but how strong - very strong? how strong should the states be?.........the balance would continue to be an issuestates be?.........the balance would continue to be an issue

The debate centered on The debate centered on

The Expressed (Specific) or Enumerated Powers of The Expressed (Specific) or Enumerated Powers of CongressCongress

and its Implied Powers of the Necessary and Proper or and its Implied Powers of the Necessary and Proper or Elastic ClauseElastic Clause

Article 1, Section 8, Clauses 1-17Article 1, Section 8, Clauses 1-17, lists Congresses enumerated , lists Congresses enumerated powers (taxation, currency, interstate and international powers (taxation, currency, interstate and international commerce…..)commerce…..)

Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18. (1.8.18) deals with the Implied . (1.8.18) deals with the Implied Powers of CongressPowers of Congress

“ “ It may make laws necessary for carrying out the enumerated It may make laws necessary for carrying out the enumerated powers. To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for powers. To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the US, or in any vested by this Constitution in the government of the US, or in any department or officer thereof.” department or officer thereof.”

But the Constitution, while allowing Congress additional But the Constitution, while allowing Congress additional powers in 1.8.18, in powers in 1.8.18, in …………....

The Bill of Rights, Amendment 10, states that The Bill of Rights, Amendment 10, states that

““Powers not delegated to the Federal Govt. are Powers not delegated to the Federal Govt. are reserved to the states and the people. The powers not reserved to the states and the people. The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States, or to the people.”States, or to the people.”

This is a “seeming contradiction,” a “grey area”This is a “seeming contradiction,” a “grey area”

Supporters of a very strong Federal Govt. / Centralized Supporters of a very strong Federal Govt. / Centralized Govt. emphasized the Implied Powers / Elastic Clause / Govt. emphasized the Implied Powers / Elastic Clause / Necessary and Proper Clause, (as well as its Enumerated Necessary and Proper Clause, (as well as its Enumerated and Expressed Powers)and Expressed Powers)……argued for this Clause to argued for this Clause to override the 10override the 10thth Amendment Amendment…….they would become .they would become known as the Federalistsknown as the Federalists

Supporters of stronger States Powers / de-Centralized Supporters of stronger States Powers / de-Centralized Govt. emphasized that the Federal Govt. should only have Govt. emphasized that the Federal Govt. should only have its Enumerated or Expressed Powersits Enumerated or Expressed Powers…… argued for the 10 argued for the 10thth Amendment over the Elastic Clause Amendment over the Elastic Clause –– they would become they would become known as known as ““States-RightersStates-Righters”” or Republicans or Republicans

From From this this disagreement emerged the first great political disagreement emerged the first great political battles of the new generation.battles of the new generation.

Supporting the Elastic Clause is also known as Supporting the Elastic Clause is also known as BroadBroad or or Loose Construction (interpretation)Loose Construction (interpretation)

Supporting the 10Supporting the 10thth Amendment over the Elastic Clause Amendment over the Elastic Clause is know as is know as Strict Construction Strict Construction

Alexander Hamilton: his PoliticsAlexander Hamilton: his Politics Hamilton dominated the Federal Govt. Hamilton dominated the Federal Govt.

for the first 12 yrs after the new for the first 12 yrs after the new Constitution: and he favored using the Constitution: and he favored using the Elastic Clause. Elastic Clause.

Washington – President – supported Washington – President – supported Hamilton and his views the vast Hamilton and his views the vast majority of the time – Washington majority of the time – Washington favored a stronger Fed. Gov. favored a stronger Fed. Gov.

But Washington’s role in Government But Washington’s role in Government was a passive one – he viewed the was a passive one – he viewed the Presidency as an office where the Presidency as an office where the holder should not be directly involved holder should not be directly involved in political controversies – didn’t have in political controversies – didn’t have an agenda: didn’t want to be branded an agenda: didn’t want to be branded as a European type King. as a European type King.

He believed that the President should be almost an He believed that the President should be almost an Olympian figure, aloof, above the fray - a unifying symbol Olympian figure, aloof, above the fray - a unifying symbol of nationhood. He thus avoided any personal involvement in of nationhood. He thus avoided any personal involvement in the deliberations of Congress…remained on the sidelines..the deliberations of Congress…remained on the sidelines..

Constitution does not specifically state that there should be Constitution does not specifically state that there should be a a CabinetCabinet. But one did evolve through the need for . But one did evolve through the need for meetings and cooperation and contact between the different meetings and cooperation and contact between the different heads of each department. heads of each department.

In the Cabinet, Hamilton, Sec. of the Treasury, dominated; In the Cabinet, Hamilton, Sec. of the Treasury, dominated; he was able to use his influence / persuasive powers with he was able to use his influence / persuasive powers with regard to the Elastic Clauseregard to the Elastic Clause

Also, of all the leading figures of the time he was the most Also, of all the leading figures of the time he was the most aristocratic in personal taste and political philosophy aristocratic in personal taste and political philosophy (from British West Indies, not from a well off (from British West Indies, not from a well off background)background)

he believed that a stable and effective govt. required an elite he believed that a stable and effective govt. required an elite ruling class; authority should be in the hands of the ruling class; authority should be in the hands of the "enlightened few” – the “best people”; distrusted the "enlightened few” – the “best people”; distrusted the “people” or “masses” “people” or “masses”

he hoped to adopt the British system of rule by the king, and he hoped to adopt the British system of rule by the king, and a strong executive and the Aristocracy as closely as possible a strong executive and the Aristocracy as closely as possible – lent itself to efficiency– lent itself to efficiency

the alternative he was certain would be continuing disorder the alternative he was certain would be continuing disorder as evidenced by Shays Rebellionas evidenced by Shays Rebellion

Ironic – the man most influential in the new govt. was the Ironic – the man most influential in the new govt. was the most aristocratic / conservative / reactionary of the founding most aristocratic / conservative / reactionary of the founding fathers and biggest supporter of the English system of fathers and biggest supporter of the English system of government that they had rebelled againstgovernment that they had rebelled against

What about Republican ideals – is this was Beard was What about Republican ideals – is this was Beard was talking about in his Thesis – the Beard Thesis (counter-talking about in his Thesis – the Beard Thesis (counter-revolution)?revolution)?

The new govt. could be strengthened, Hamilton believed, The new govt. could be strengthened, Hamilton believed, by attracting the support of the wealthy / Aristocracy – by attracting the support of the wealthy / Aristocracy – the most reliable group, the group Gov. should be the most reliable group, the group Gov. should be “founded on”. The best way to do that was to give them a “founded on”. The best way to do that was to give them a stake in its success. stake in its success.

He proposed that this could be done, while at the same He proposed that this could be done, while at the same time solving the economic problems (enormous debts) of time solving the economic problems (enormous debts) of the Fed and State governments the Fed and State governments

He would combine Political and Economic Goals – get He would combine Political and Economic Goals – get the wealthy behind the Govt. and pay off the debts – and the wealthy behind the Govt. and pay off the debts – and bring credibility to the new nation at home and abroad bring credibility to the new nation at home and abroad

President HamiltonPresident Hamilton – was he the real President? – he – was he the real President? – he set Domestic and Foreign (supposed to be the domain set Domestic and Foreign (supposed to be the domain of the President) Policyof the President) Policy

Hamilton’s Hamilton’s

Economic Economic

PoliciesPolicies

Hamilton’s Economic PoliciesHamilton’s Economic Policies

1. Funding at Par1. Funding at Par

Federal govt. debts amounted to $54m Federal govt. debts amounted to $54m approxapprox. . Hamilton wanted to “Fully Fund" Federal Govt. debts – Hamilton wanted to “Fully Fund" Federal Govt. debts –

not pay them off right away, but to take in the old bonds not pay them off right away, but to take in the old bonds (mostly owned by US merchants and landowners, and (mostly owned by US merchants and landowners, and foreign countries: Br, Sp, Fr) and exchange them for new foreign countries: Br, Sp, Fr) and exchange them for new ones, which would be ones, which would be FullyFully guaranteed by the new Govt. guaranteed by the new Govt. at full face value: at full face value: Funding at Par wouldFunding at Par would Create Create Stakeholders (bondholders), esp. at home, Stakeholders (bondholders), esp. at home, who would who would want the new Govt. to succeed, and fully support itwant the new Govt. to succeed, and fully support it

Fed. Govt. would have support, credibility, Fed. Govt. would have support, credibility, respect….respect….

2. Assumption2. Assumption

He also wanted the States debts to be totally He also wanted the States debts to be totally AssumedAssumed by by the Federal govt. - states Debts amounted to $22m approx the Federal govt. - states Debts amounted to $22m approx (also in bonds, held by wealthy people)…(Fed and States = (also in bonds, held by wealthy people)…(Fed and States = $76m approx..)$76m approx..)

Felt this was fair - they had accumulated these debts during Felt this was fair - they had accumulated these debts during the Revolutionary War: and the states would now be the Revolutionary War: and the states would now be grateful, and would want the Federal Govt. to succeed too – grateful, and would want the Federal Govt. to succeed too – Assumption would also Create StakeholdersAssumption would also Create Stakeholders..

The Wealthy and the States would be happy – would The Wealthy and the States would be happy – would support the new Govt. – his Political goal… support the new Govt. – his Political goal…

He said that He said that “the national debt was a blessing” – “the national debt was a blessing” – providing opportunities to create stakeholders – bound providing opportunities to create stakeholders – bound people / creditors to his cause (creating a strong Fed people / creditors to his cause (creating a strong Fed Gov)…benefits would “trickle down” to the massesGov)…benefits would “trickle down” to the masses

DisagreementsDisagreements Funding the national debt was generally accepted but Funding the national debt was generally accepted but

there was disagreement over funding the national debt there was disagreement over funding the national debt at at Par / FullyPar / Fully

Farmers / soldiers who had sold their bonds off to Farmers / soldiers who had sold their bonds off to speculators at a fraction of their original cost, during speculators at a fraction of their original cost, during difficult times, objecteddifficult times, objected

They wanted the original owners too to benefit from the They wanted the original owners too to benefit from the new proposal, or failing this, to only allow new proposal, or failing this, to only allow Partial Partial FundingFunding to the present holder of the bond. to the present holder of the bond.

There were complaints that Hamilton’s policy was elitist, There were complaints that Hamilton’s policy was elitist, benefitting the wealthy classes who had bought up the benefitting the wealthy classes who had bought up the bonds below face value and now stood to gain a lotbonds below face value and now stood to gain a lot

But after discussion and debate, the Funding at Par Bill But after discussion and debate, the Funding at Par Bill passed – Hamilton was persuasive – he got the votes in passed – Hamilton was persuasive – he got the votes in CongressCongress

There were even stronger arguments against "Assumption" There were even stronger arguments against "Assumption" of states debts – led by Madison. of states debts – led by Madison.

the Northern states owed more than the Southern states - the Northern states owed more than the Southern states - many of the Southern states had paid off their debts, and many of the Southern states had paid off their debts, and would now under Assumption, be contributing to paying off would now under Assumption, be contributing to paying off the Northern States debts too (from their taxes). the Northern States debts too (from their taxes).

Hamilton eventually got Assumption approved in return for Hamilton eventually got Assumption approved in return for a compromise: Jefferson mediated between Madison and a compromise: Jefferson mediated between Madison and Hamilton to broker the CompromiseHamilton to broker the Compromise

the Govt. / Capital would move South (from Philadelphia / the Govt. / Capital would move South (from Philadelphia / New York), to the banks of Potomac river (Washington New York), to the banks of Potomac river (Washington D.C.) D.C.)

The South felt this would help make the Fed. Govt. more The South felt this would help make the Fed. Govt. more sensitive to Southern needs. sensitive to Southern needs.

3. Bank of the US (BUS)3. Bank of the US (BUS)

Hamilton’s next Economic proposal was to establish a Hamilton’s next Economic proposal was to establish a National Bank. At this time there were State banks and National Bank. At this time there were State banks and private banks only. .private banks only. .

Hamilton felt a National Bank would provide the following Hamilton felt a National Bank would provide the following services for the new Govt.services for the new Govt.

1. Control the currency supply 1. Control the currency supply 2. Provide loans to businesses. 2. Provide loans to businesses. 3. Provide the govt. with a safe place for depositing 3. Provide the govt. with a safe place for depositing

federal fundsfederal funds 4. Facilitate the collection of taxes and tariffs4. Facilitate the collection of taxes and tariffs 5. Facilitate the sale of govt. bonds when it needed to 5. Facilitate the sale of govt. bonds when it needed to

borrow from the public. borrow from the public.

Hamilton’s proposal sparked intense debate about the Hamilton’s proposal sparked intense debate about the power and function of the Federal govt (Centralized v de-power and function of the Federal govt (Centralized v de-Centralized Govt) – the first intense debate about the Centralized Govt) – the first intense debate about the Elastic Clause vs the 10Elastic Clause vs the 10thth Amendment Amendment

According to Jefferson a govt. established National Bank According to Jefferson a govt. established National Bank was unconstitutional. The Govt.'s enumerated powers did was unconstitutional. The Govt.'s enumerated powers did not give it the right to set up such an institution. The not give it the right to set up such an institution. The States could enact Banks under Amend 10 of Bill of States could enact Banks under Amend 10 of Bill of Rights, but the Federal govt. could not do so. This was a Rights, but the Federal govt. could not do so. This was a right reserved for the States.right reserved for the States.

Hamilton argued that what the Constitution ‘did not Hamilton argued that what the Constitution ‘did not forbid it allowed”. forbid it allowed”.

Argued that the National Bank was compatible with the Argued that the National Bank was compatible with the intention of the Constitution, even though it does not intention of the Constitution, even though it does not explicitly authorize it. explicitly authorize it.

The Govt. had the power to set up the Bank under the The Govt. had the power to set up the Bank under the Necessary and Proper or the Elastic Clause to enable it Necessary and Proper or the Elastic Clause to enable it to better fulfill its other functions - to enable it to to better fulfill its other functions - to enable it to collect taxes and control the economy. It gave the collect taxes and control the economy. It gave the government the means to fulfill an enumerated power.government the means to fulfill an enumerated power.

Jefferson replied that “what the Constitution did not Jefferson replied that “what the Constitution did not allow (specifically) was forbidden”; to Hamilton, what’s allow (specifically) was forbidden”; to Hamilton, what’s not forbidden is allowednot forbidden is allowed

Strict (Jefferson) v Loose / Broad (Hamilton) Strict (Jefferson) v Loose / Broad (Hamilton) Construction (interpretation) of the Constitution….both Construction (interpretation) of the Constitution….both viewpoint are valid, both men are right…. a matter of viewpoint are valid, both men are right…. a matter of interpretation / emphasisinterpretation / emphasis

In the end Hamilton had the support of Washington and In the end Hamilton had the support of Washington and the votes in Congress, and the Bank Bill was passed.the votes in Congress, and the Bank Bill was passed.

Jefferson offered to resign but Washington refused to Jefferson offered to resign but Washington refused to accept his resignation….respected him, welcomed his accept his resignation….respected him, welcomed his opinions…. Felt he offered a balance / a foil to Hamilton opinions…. Felt he offered a balance / a foil to Hamilton

The Bank of the United States (BUS) was established in The Bank of the United States (BUS) was established in 1791 with a capital deposit of $10m, a 20 year charter, 1791 with a capital deposit of $10m, a 20 year charter, one fifth of its stock ($2m) held by the Federal Govt.: one fifth of its stock ($2m) held by the Federal Govt.: the other four fifths were bought up by the public in less the other four fifths were bought up by the public in less than 2 hrsthan 2 hrs

Where would the money come from to pay off the Where would the money come from to pay off the bonds / other debts?bonds / other debts?

Fed. Govt. had the power to tax the states but it Fed. Govt. had the power to tax the states but it would need more money than that…so Hamilton would need more money than that…so Hamilton introduced an Excise Tax and Tariffs (Congress now introduced an Excise Tax and Tariffs (Congress now had the power to control Commerce)had the power to control Commerce)

4. Excise Tax4. Excise Tax In 1791, Hamilton introduced an Excise Tax In 1791, Hamilton introduced an Excise Tax –– a tax on a tax on

internal production internal production –– on a variety of goods, inc. a large on a variety of goods, inc. a large tax on whiskey of 7 cents a gallontax on whiskey of 7 cents a gallon

Led to the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794Led to the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794

Struggling small-farmers, esp. in the backcountry regions Struggling small-farmers, esp. in the backcountry regions of Va, Penn, S.C., distilled whiskey to supplement their of Va, Penn, S.C., distilled whiskey to supplement their meager incomes during difficult times (bartered whiskey meager incomes during difficult times (bartered whiskey for goods with the local store owners).for goods with the local store owners).

To them it was another blow: they wereTo them it was another blow: they were

owed back pay for their war servicesowed back pay for their war services in debt in debt heavily taxedheavily taxed had sold their bonds off for a fraction of the cost, only to had sold their bonds off for a fraction of the cost, only to

see the speculators get Full Fundingsee the speculators get Full Funding

And now they were hit with a tax on Whiskey, which And now they were hit with a tax on Whiskey, which would be used to pay off these same bondswould be used to pay off these same bonds

Accused the Govt. of elitism, favoring Manufactures / Accused the Govt. of elitism, favoring Manufactures / North East through the tariffs, the Wealthy through North East through the tariffs, the Wealthy through Funding at Par Funding at Par

In Pennsylvania, the In Pennsylvania, the ““whiskey farmerswhiskey farmers”” refused to pay the refused to pay the Excise Tax, terrorized the tax collectors, tarring and Excise Tax, terrorized the tax collectors, tarring and feathering them (reminder of Revolution / treatment of feathering them (reminder of Revolution / treatment of stamp collectors)stamp collectors)

The Federal Govt. responded decisively: not relying on the The Federal Govt. responded decisively: not relying on the States as it had done during Shays Rebellion - now had its States as it had done during Shays Rebellion - now had its own army own army –– was determined to prevent a recurrence of that was determined to prevent a recurrence of that type of Rebellion / maintain law and order / assert authority type of Rebellion / maintain law and order / assert authority of new Govt.of new Govt.

Washington supervised expansion of Fed. army to 15, 000; Washington supervised expansion of Fed. army to 15, 000; personally came out of retirement to supervise the campaign personally came out of retirement to supervise the campaign in Pennsylvania : the Whiskey farmers were overwhelmed in Pennsylvania : the Whiskey farmers were overwhelmed and dispersed and dispersed –– and forced to accept the tax and forced to accept the tax

Jefferson criticized the excessive force used by the Fed Jefferson criticized the excessive force used by the Fed govt. against the struggling farmers: felt the govt. over-govt. against the struggling farmers: felt the govt. over-reacted reacted

But its prompt response to the Whiskey Rebellion won But its prompt response to the Whiskey Rebellion won for the new govt. a deep sense of respect at home and for the new govt. a deep sense of respect at home and abroadabroad

5. Import Tariff of 17895. Import Tariff of 1789

The Tariff Bill of 1789 introduced an 8% tariff on a The Tariff Bill of 1789 introduced an 8% tariff on a variety of imported goodsvariety of imported goods

Tariffs have two goals: Tariffs have two goals: 1. raising revenue for the Fed Govt.1. raising revenue for the Fed Govt. 2. protecting US manufacturing from competition from 2. protecting US manufacturing from competition from

imports imports –– helps create jobs, also helps increase self- helps create jobs, also helps increase self-sufficiency sufficiency

A later Tariffs, in 1792, increased the tariff rate by another A later Tariffs, in 1792, increased the tariff rate by another by 1% to 2%by 1% to 2%

Emergence of Political PartiesEmergence of Political Parties

HamiltonHamilton’’s Political and Economic policies / ideas s Political and Economic policies / ideas seemed to support Gov. for and byseemed to support Gov. for and by

the upper class over the lowerthe upper class over the lower the North East over the South and Westthe North East over the South and West the Federal govt. over the Statesthe Federal govt. over the States the urban areas over the rural areasthe urban areas over the rural areas

Though often criticized for his elitism, his policies Though often criticized for his elitism, his policies created Stability created Stability –– Pol, Ec, Soc Pol, Ec, Soc

He won the support of the Wealthy, gave the Govt. He won the support of the Wealthy, gave the Govt. credibility, respect, at home and abroad credibility, respect, at home and abroad –– he more than he more than anyone in the new Govt. was responsible for this anyone in the new Govt. was responsible for this –– (Pres. (Pres. Hamilton?) Hamilton?)

But his policies also led to the formation of the first But his policies also led to the formation of the first Two Two Party SystemParty System –– his critics / opponents, who favored his critics / opponents, who favored stronger State Govt., more concern for the interest of the stronger State Govt., more concern for the interest of the small farmers, of the South and West, felt that the small farmers, of the South and West, felt that the Federalist program did not protect their interests Federalist program did not protect their interests –– rallied rallied behind Jefferson behind Jefferson

The Constitution makes no reference to political parties The Constitution makes no reference to political parties - on purpose - framers, esp. Washington, believed that - on purpose - framers, esp. Washington, believed that organized parties were destructive of national harmony organized parties were destructive of national harmony and unityand unity

Madison, in Federalist Paper # 10 said that Madison, in Federalist Paper # 10 said that ““the public the public good is disregarded in the conflicts of rival partiesgood is disregarded in the conflicts of rival parties”…”…..

Framers envisaged a system of Factions forming around Framers envisaged a system of Factions forming around issues, based on the merits of the issue, which would issues, based on the merits of the issue, which would then break up, with new Factions forming on the next then break up, with new Factions forming on the next issue issue –– not permanent Political Parties disagreeing with not permanent Political Parties disagreeing with each other for the sake of iteach other for the sake of it

Jefferson and Madison complained that Hamilton (and Jefferson and Madison complained that Hamilton (and later John Adams) was appointing people who shared his later John Adams) was appointing people who shared his views to important positions in the Admin / Govt., that he views to important positions in the Admin / Govt., that he was engineering “a national network of influence that was engineering “a national network of influence that embodied all the worst features of a party”…with local embodied all the worst features of a party”…with local and regional associations (patronage)and regional associations (patronage)

Since Hamilton was forming a party, they felt the need to Since Hamilton was forming a party, they felt the need to form one also, to represent and promote their views – form one also, to represent and promote their views – formed the Republican Party or Democratic - Republican formed the Republican Party or Democratic - Republican Party; formed committees in every state, societies, Party; formed committees in every state, societies, caucuses - influencing state and local electionscaucuses - influencing state and local elections

Hamilton blamed Jefferson for forming the first Political Hamilton blamed Jefferson for forming the first Political Party, Jefferson blamed HamiltonParty, Jefferson blamed Hamilton

Party System has its advantages - competition for power Party System has its advantages - competition for power among parties is considered good for democracy, among parties is considered good for democracy, opposition ensures balance, acts as a kind of watchdog on opposition ensures balance, acts as a kind of watchdog on the party in power, another check/balance in Govt.the party in power, another check/balance in Govt.

JeffersonJefferson’’s Political Philosophys Political Philosophy

Jefferson believed that the Yeoman Farmers were God's Jefferson believed that the Yeoman Farmers were God's chosen people, that the ideal Republic would consist of chosen people, that the ideal Republic would consist of ““sturdy farming citizenssturdy farming citizens””, , ““decentralized society, decentralized society, dominated by small property owners engaged largely in dominated by small property owners engaged largely in agrarian activitiesagrarian activities””

Was an aristocrat by birth, but he had faith in the good Was an aristocrat by birth, but he had faith in the good intentions of the ordinary farmer-citizens and believed that intentions of the ordinary farmer-citizens and believed that they could, if properly educated, be trusted to govern they could, if properly educated, be trusted to govern themselves through the election of able and qualified men themselves through the election of able and qualified men (usually from a higher class)(usually from a higher class)

Over-Simplification (maybe useful)Over-Simplification (maybe useful) Hamilton Hamilton –– Govt. by the elite for the elite (Oligarchy) Govt. by the elite for the elite (Oligarchy) Jefferson Jefferson –– Govt. by the elite for the Yeoman Farmer Govt. by the elite for the Yeoman Farmer

Urban life, by contrast, he believed, posed a danger to Urban life, by contrast, he believed, posed a danger to the Republic; he feared city mobs as "sores upon the the Republic; he feared city mobs as "sores upon the body politic". Thus he opposed the development of body politic". Thus he opposed the development of extensive manufacturing because this would lead to the extensive manufacturing because this would lead to the growth of cities packed with property-less workersgrowth of cities packed with property-less workers

He did not scorn commercial activity, nor did he oppose He did not scorn commercial activity, nor did he oppose industrial activity industrial activity –– there would have to be a certain there would have to be a certain amount of it amount of it –– but the nation should avoid a highly but the nation should avoid a highly urbanized, industrialized economy - the abundance of urbanized, industrialized economy - the abundance of land was Americaland was America’’s greatest economic resources greatest economic resource

Meanwhile, in the elections of 1792, Washington was Meanwhile, in the elections of 1792, Washington was re-elected unopposed, and the Federalists increased re-elected unopposed, and the Federalists increased their majority in Congress: their majority in Congress:

In this first election involving the two Parties, the In this first election involving the two Parties, the Federalists got most support from the commercial Federalists got most support from the commercial centers of the Northeast and in the major seaport centers of the Northeast and in the major seaport towns of the Southeast, such as Charleston. The towns of the Southeast, such as Charleston. The Republicans were most numerous in the rural areas of Republicans were most numerous in the rural areas of the South and the West. the South and the West.

After the election, Jefferson again, because his views After the election, Jefferson again, because his views contrasted so much with Hamilton’s, offered to resign contrasted so much with Hamilton’s, offered to resign from the Cabinet, but Washington again refused to from the Cabinet, but Washington again refused to acceptaccept