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Who were Alexander Hamilton's opponents, and what did they believe in?

a) His opponents were supporters of his economic plan.
b) His opponents were advocates of a strong central government.
c) His opponents were proponents of states' rights and limited federal power.
d) His opponents were followers of Thomas Jefferson's economic policies.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Alexander Hamilton's opponents were the Democratic-Republicans, who favored states' rights and a limited federal government, aligning with the interests of farmers and the rural populace over urban and commercial entities.

Step-by-step explanation:

Alexander Hamilton's opponents were primarily the Democratic-Republicans, led by figures such as Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. These opponents believed in a more limited federal government and a greater emphasis on states' rights. They were particularly concerned with the rural majority and thought that the federal government should not assume powers beyond those specifically granted in the Constitution. Contrary to the Federalists, they feared that a strong central government could infringe upon the liberties of the people and the sovereignty of the states.

The Democratic-Republicans were advocates of agrarianism and thought that the spirit of true republicanism depended on farmers and the agricultural economy. They opposed Hamilton's financial plan, which they felt served the interests of merchants and manufacturers rather than the common people. Ultimately, these ideological differences with Hamilton and the Federalists shaped the formation of the two-party system in the United States.

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