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Discuss at least 2 differences between Liberals and Conservatives. Then, compare & contrast the ideas of Thomas Jefferson & Alexander Hamilton on 3 major issues.

A) Liberals tend to support government intervention and social equality, while Conservatives favor limited government and individualism. Jefferson favored a agrarian society, while Hamilton advocated for a strong federal government and industrial development.
B) Liberals focus on social justice and government welfare programs, while Conservatives emphasize personal responsibility and free-market capitalism. Jefferson supported states' rights, while Hamilton believed in a strong central government and a national bank.
C) Liberals advocate for progressive policies and social equality, while Conservatives prefer traditional values and limited government interference. Jefferson was a proponent of agrarian democracy, while Hamilton championed a strong federal government and financial system.
D) Liberals promote government intervention for social welfare, while Conservatives stress individual freedom and small government. Jefferson was a supporter of states' rights, while Hamilton pushed for a strong national government and economic development.

User KingJinho
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Final answer:

Liberals and conservatives diverge on government intervention and economic philosophy, with liberals favoring social programs and conservatives upholding free markets. Thomas Jefferson advocated for an agrarian focus and states' rights, while Alexander Hamilton promoted a strong federal government and industrial economy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Liberalism and conservatism represent two fundamental and often opposing political ideologies that influence social and economic policies. Liberals generally advocate for government intervention to achieve social equality and support welfare programs aimed at reducing disparities. In contrast, conservatives emphasize limited government, personal responsibility, and free-market capitalism, believing these foster individual freedom and economic prosperity.

Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton were prominent figures in early American political history with differing visions for America. Jefferson championed an agrarian democracy, prioritizing the interests of yeoman farmers and advocating for states' rights, fearing that a powerful central government could lead to oppression. In contrast, Hamilton, a staunch Federalist, argued for a strong central government and an economy based on industry and finance, believing that catering to the elite would benefit all by creating a stable and strong national union. He also supported the creation of a national bank and interpreted the Constitution expansively to allow for federal action in economic matters.

Key Issues


  • Jefferson's agrarian focus contrasted with Hamilton's vision of industrial development.

  • States' rights and the power vested in the central government were central to Jefferson's strict constitutional interpretation, while Hamilton's broad interpretation led to his support for federal actions like a national bank.

  • Jefferson believed in supporting the majority's interest, particularly yeoman farmers, while Hamilton advocated for policies that would stabilize society by promoting the self-interest of wealthy farmers, merchants, and manufacturers.

User Flokk
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