Question

Alexander Hamilton strongly supported a pro-Federalist interpretation of the Constitution. He supported greater federal powers at the expense of the states' powers. Which of these is a result of Hamilton's federalist beliefs?

a.  establishing the first national bank of the United States as a way to manage money across state borders



b.  establishing the Department of the Interior to manage government lands and set up national parks

c. t he Supreme Court ruling that the rights of the states held more authority over federal law

d. the creation of the Department of the Treasury and the elevation of the Secretary of the Treasury to a Cabinet level position

Answer 1

a. Establishing the first national bank of the United States as a way to manage money across state borders

As the first Secretary of Treasury, under President Washington, Hamilton was asked by Congress to create a plan for the adequate support of the public credit. Hamilton outlined his plans in four notable reports (1790-91).

One of the measures he advocated was the establishment of a national bank to stabilize and improve the nation's credit. Hamilton held that the government had the right to charter a national bank as a means to regulate the currency, and it was necessary because:

1. With a National Bank, the federal government would be able to manage money across state borders by creating a standard form of currency (At the time, each state had its own) and establishing financial order to pay off the Revolutionary War's debts ( 1775-83) of the several states.
2. The bank would establish credit for the government.
3. The business classes would be the most benefited from the bank, and this class would later help the federal power to gain more power.

After being persuaded by Hamilton's arguments, the Congress and Washington approved the charter bank on February 25, 1791, and the construction of the First National Bank began.

Answer 2

"a. establishing the first national bank of the United States as a way to manage money across state border" was a result of Hamilton's federalist beliefs, since this bank gave a great deal of power to the federal government over the states.