A Comparison Of Alexander Hamilton And Thomas Jefferson

Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson were two significant figures in American history. Both men made profound contributions to America, through experience as well as knowledge and intellect. In Federalist 15, Hamilton stressed the significance of unity among the people of America. Furthermore, Hamilton seems to initiate a call to action when he says, “…there are material imperfections in our national system, and that something is necessary to be done to rescue us from impending anarchy,” (Hamilton, ¶ 2). The central theme in this particular work was that the America would cease to exist if it continued to be governed by the Articles of Confederation. During this time, the federal government lacked the power to enforce law and effectively
From matters concerning who should govern, to the structure of government, to the economy, as well as foreign affairs, Jefferson and Hamilton could not agree. Jefferson, a strong advocate for the protection of individual liberties, made an assertion regarding the freedom of religion in his Notes on the State of Virginia. “But our rulers can have authority over such natural rights, only as we have submitted to them,” (Jefferson, 345). Though Jefferson and Hamilton can agree as much to this regard, the authority to which a government is given, is given by the people. However, Hamilton was not a strong advocate for the constant freedom of individual liberties. Instead, Hamilton thought that individual liberties, such as freedom of speech and/or religion, ought to be restricted at times. Jefferson reiterated his position on the protection of religious freedom when he claimed, “The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no god,” (Jefferson, 345). Jefferson recognizes the lack of injury that results from conscious beliefs. If it is simply a belief or opinion, and does no harm to another, what purpose would restriction or oppression of this particular belief serve? If nothing else, it serves the purpose of doing none other than oppressing. “That ours is but one of that thousand. That if there be but one right, and ours that one, we should wish to see the 999 wandering sects gathered into the fold of truth. But against such a majority we cannot effect this by force,” (Jefferson, 346). Seemingly an appeal to logic, Jefferson makes a compelling argument about the multitude of religions that inhabit the world. In all reality, religion is but simply an opinion, an opinion that has served as the cause of wars and blood spilled