Question

Compare and contrast the views of the Federalist Party and the Democratic Republican Party, including those of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson. You must compare/contrast at least 3 issues

Answer 1

During the Federalist Era in the United States, the Federalist Party and the Democratic-Republican Party held contrasting views on various issues. Alexander Hamilton, a Federalist, advocated for public credit, the bank, tariffs, internal improvements, and westward expansion. Thomas Jefferson, a Democratic-Republican, opposed these policies, advocating for limited central government, states' rights, and equal access to new lands.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the Federalist Era in the United States, two political parties emerged: the Federalist Party and the Democratic-Republican Party. The Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, believed in a strong central government and supported policies such as public credit, the bank, tariffs, internal improvements, and a strong military. On the other hand, the Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson, favored a limited central government and opposed the Federalists' policies, advocating for states' rights and an agrarian economy. Here are three issues on which they differed:

1. Public Credit: The Federalists believed in assuming the states' debts from the Revolutionary War and creating a national debt to give the government credibility. Hamilton proposed the establishment of a national bank to manage public credit and stabilize the economy. In contrast, the Democratic-Republicans opposed assuming state debts and saw the national debt as a burden on future generations.
2. Tariffs: The Federalists supported protective tariffs on imports to promote American industries and boost revenue for the government. They believed in promoting domestic manufacturing. The Democratic-Republicans opposed high tariffs, believing they benefited the wealthy few at the expense of the majority of farmers and consumers.
3. New Lands: The Federalists supported policies encouraging westward expansion, including the acquisition of new lands (such as the Louisiana Purchase) and the establishment of territorial governments. They saw this as a way to expand American influence and secure resources. The Democratic-Republicans also supported westward expansion but emphasized the importance of preserving agrarian values and ensuring equal access to new lands for small farmers.