Flashcards for "Jefferson vs. Hamilton Rivalry

Card 1

Front: What defined the rivalry between Jefferson and Hamilton?
Back:

• Opposing visions for America:

  • Jefferson: Agrarian, decentralized, states’ rights.

  • Hamilton: Industrial, centralized, strong federal government.

• Created the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties.

Card 2

Front: What were the core beliefs of Hamilton’s Federalist Party?
Back:

• Strong central government to address domestic/foreign issues.

• Industrial growth, tariffs, and federal policies supporting business.

• Pro-Britain for trade and stability.

Card 3

Front: What were the core beliefs of Jefferson’s Democratic-Republican Party?
Back:

• Weak central government, strong states’ rights.

• Agrarian economy focused on farmers and rural laborers.

• Pro-France, emphasizing revolutionary ideals and opposition to monarchy.

Card 4

Front: How did Jefferson and Hamilton differ on the economy?
Back:

• Jefferson:

  • Agrarian society with small farmers as economic backbone.

  • Feared industrialization and wealth inequality.

• Hamilton:

  • Industrialization and modernization in urban centers.

  • Supported tariffs to protect American manufacturers.

Card 5

Front: How did Jefferson and Hamilton interpret the Constitution differently?
Back:

• Jefferson (Strict Interpretation):

  • Opposed the National Bank as unconstitutional.

  • Feared loose interpretation would centralize power.

• Hamilton (Loose Interpretation):

  • Used Necessary and Proper Clause to justify the National Bank.

  • Believed flexibility was essential for governance.

Card 6

Front: Why did Hamilton support the National Bank, and why did Jefferson oppose it?
Back:

• Hamilton:

  • Stabilize economy, create national currency, and encourage investment.

  • Strengthen national credit by assuming state debts.

• Jefferson:

  • Viewed the bank as benefiting wealthy elites.

  • Feared economic centralization would harm farmers.

Card 7

Front: How did regional differences influence party loyalties?
Back:

• Federalists (North):

  • Urban elites, industrial vision, supported tariffs.

  • Benefited from federal policies.

• Democratic-Republicans (South):

  • Farmers, rural communities, opposed tariffs.

  • Focused on agriculture and states’ rights.

Card 8

Front: What long-term impact did Jefferson and Hamilton’s rivalry have?
Back:

• Created the two-party system: Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans.

• Shaped debates over government power, economic policy, and regional priorities.

• Foreshadowed deeper North-South conflicts (slavery, state sovereignty).