Final answer:
Lin-Manuel Miranda's depiction of Alexander Hamilton in the musical could have changed our perspective on Hamilton if different aspects of his writings had been emphasized.
Step-by-step explanation:
The portrayal of Alexander Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda in the musical Hamilton emphasizes certain aspects of Hamilton's character and political philosophy. If Miranda had chosen to highlight different parts of Hamilton's extensive written legacy, our understanding of Hamilton might similarly shift.
For instance, Alexander Hamilton's financial system, which aimed to stabilize the young nation's economy, included the federal government's assumption of state debts, the creation of a national bank, and the establishment of a tariff system to encourage domestic manufacturing.
This plan was quite controversial, particularly among figures like James Madison, who opposed parts of it.
By including these complex political debates in the character development, the musical could have illuminated the roots of partisanship in the U.S. or the intricacies of Hamilton's policy ideas that still influence the nation's financial system today.
Additionally, Hamilton argued for a balanced government structure that could concentrate power without risking tyranny, contesting fears of monarchical power. He stressed that the proposed system had several checks and balances to prevent the abuse of power.
Another facet of Hamilton's thought was his views on what constitutes a 'pure democracy,' which he believed to be impractical and ultimately less perfect than the representative democracy established in the U.S.
These concepts could have given the audience a deeper understanding of the political philosophy underlying the founding of American government.
Lastly, perspectives on equality and representation that Hamilton touched upon, including his views on an emerging merchant elite, reveal the socio-political landscape of the era.
The nuances of his position on who should govern - advocating for a meritocratic representation of 'lesser men' over an aristocracy - could have been further examined to showcase Hamilton's anticipation of the role of diverse societal groups in governance.
Including such historical details would have shown how societal roles were integral to the social and political order of post-Revolution America.