Question

4. How did Jefferson view ordinary citizens? Hamilton? (Use evidence from the text to

support your answers.)

Answer 1

Jefferson valued the yeoman farmers as the key to a virtuous republic and preferred minimal government intervention, while Hamilton saw the commercial elite's wealth tied to public credit as imperative for national stability and prosperity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Thomas Jefferson saw ordinary citizens, especially the yeoman farmers, as the backbone of American democracy and liberty. He believed that these self-sufficient, property-owning rural citizens were pivotal for the republic's success. In his view, Jefferson felt that government should work in the favor of these ordinary citizens, avoiding the patronage of any minority interest group that might lead the country back to monarchistic tendencies. In contrast, Alexander Hamilton favored a strong central government and believed in the economic leadership of a commercial elite. He thought tying the elite's interests to the government's credit would secure loyalty and ultimately stabilize and enrich the nation. According to Hamilton, the public credit system would benefit all citizens by bolstering the economy and promoting business ventures.

Answer 2

Americans. Despite his wealth, Jefferson believed that the government should represent ordinary white people, not just the wealthy and educated. Jefferson supported policies that favored small farmers rather than businessmen. ... Hamilton wanted the federal government to have greater power than state governments.