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Washington vs Jefferson Politics

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Washington vs Jefferson Politics

Read the historical snapshot, then investigate the debates that shaped the early United States. Use evidence from the snapshot in your answers. Political labels and disagreements were still developing in the 1790s.

Historical snapshot: a government in debate

In the 1790s, the new United States faced questions about how much power the national government should have and what would help the economy grow. Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton supported a national bank, public credit, and policies that encouraged commerce and manufacturing. He argued that the Constitution gave the federal government implied powers to carry out its responsibilities. His supporters became known as Federalists. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison worried that a powerful central government could threaten liberty and state authority. They favored a narrower reading of federal powers and saw independent farmers as vital to the republic. Their supporters became known as Democratic-Republicans. They also tended to favor closer relations with France, while Federalists generally leaned toward closer commercial ties with Britain. George Washington was not a party leader and warned that intense party loyalty could divide the country. Yet he often agreed with Hamilton’s plans, including the bank, and appointed Federalist John Adams as his successor. These were broad tendencies, not rules followed by every supporter.

Investigate the arguments

Imagine you are reading reports at a busy post office in 1796. Use the evidence above to sort claims, test interpretations, and write a response.

1.Choose the strongest answer.

Create a national bank to support public credit and commerce.
Give each state complete control over all national economic policy.
Make farming the only permitted occupation.
End the federal government and return to rule by a monarchy.

2.Write Federalist or Democratic-Republican for each statement.

A narrower interpretation of federal powers
A national bank and encouragement of manufacturing
Independent farmers as a foundation of the republic
Implied federal powers to carry out government responsibilities

Democratic-Republican
Democratic-Republican
Federalist
Federalist

3.“Jefferson and Madison believed the national government should have unlimited power.” Is the claim accurate? Answer true or false and correct it using one detail from the snapshot.

TrueFalse

4.Hamilton’s supporters were called . Jefferson and Madison’s supporters were called .

5.Name one policy or belief that Washington shared with Hamilton’s Federalists, and explain why this does not mean Washington was simply a party leader.

6.Hiroshi hears one customer say, “Federalists generally leaned toward Britain; Democratic-Republicans generally favored closer ties with France.” Is this supported by the snapshot? Explain what the word “generally” helps us remember.

7.In two or three sentences, contrast the economic priorities associated with Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

8.Why might Americans have formed political groups even though Washington warned about party divisions? Give one reason grounded in the snapshot.

9.Which vision seems more convincing for the young republic: Hamilton’s Federalist approach or Jefferson and Madison’s Democratic-Republican approach? State your view and support it with two accurate details from the snapshot. Either position can earn full credit.

10.Write a brief note to Isabella explaining Washington’s concern about political parties and one reason disagreements persisted despite that warning.