Final answer:
The primary disagreement between Jefferson and Hamilton was over the power of the federal government. Jefferson favored a strict construction, while Hamilton supported a strong central government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main point of disagreement between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton was the power of the federal government. Jefferson, along with James Madison, favored a strict construction when interpreting the Constitution, believing that the federal government should not overstep the authority specifically granted by the Constitution. They argued against Hamilton's financial plan, which they thought gave too much power to the federal government and benefited the class of speculators at the expense of hardworking citizens. In contrast, Hamilton and the Federalists supported a strong central government that could stabilize the economy and manage national issues effectively. This included the creation of a national bank, which Jefferson and Madison opposed, cementing the ideological divide over federal vs. state powers that defined the emerging political party system in the United States.