5-+Constitution+Debate

The constitution of the United Sates was ratified on June 21, 1788. It was approved by nine of the thirteen colonies; however, there were several disagreements between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. The constitution lacked specific details concerning the rights of the people and could be interoperated differently. __Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton had completely opposite views of the constitution, which created an unusual cabinet for Washington’s presidency.__ Each political representative came from a different lifestyle which contributed to how our country is run today. Jefferson and Hamilton have two polar-opposite views because of their backgrounds. Thomas Jefferson was born April 13, 1743 in Shadwell, Virginia. He proved to be very intelligent and was able to speak 5 different languages. Jefferson's career in politics and law started young and continued until he died. At age sixteen he attend the college of William and Mary to study law. By 1768 he was elected to the House of Burgesses and this was the start of his political influence. Jefferson interpreted the constitution, and other documents, literally. He felt there was no other meaning behind the words. Jefferson believed that the constitution did not give enough rights to the people and he fought for our Bill of Rights to be created. Alexander Hamilton, on the other hand, was born January 11, 1755 on the Nevis Island. He studied at a grammar school and at age twelve he served as a clerk and apprentice. Hamilton attended Kings College, currently Columbia University, and received his bachelors in Art. In January of 1777 he was introduced to General Washington and his political and military career began. Hamilton was considered a military man. He had respect for those who fought for their country and were loyal. He interoperated the constitution completely different then Jefferson. He believed that each word had several different meanings and it changed for each circumstance. One of the major discrepancies between Jefferson and Hamilton was the national debt. The National Government wanted to create a giant pool of debt instead of letting the individual states pay off their own debt. Alexander Hamilton thought the debt of each state should be added up and the entire country should pay for the combined debt. Hamilton argued that the Revolutionary War was a “common war” and therefore the debt should be common as well. He believed that this was a way to repay the country, and the citizens, for the lives and money that was lost in the war. However Thomas Jefferson’s view on the national debt was that each state should pay off their own debt. He thought Hamilton’s idea would be morally irresponsible and "create a train of wretchedness" because it oppresses the people and left debt for the following generations. He believed children should be born free of debt and he even wanted to create an amendment which restricted the National Government of barrowing money from other countries. This way, the debt would not continue and be eventually paid off. Each person, or party, has a different opinion in all circumstances. The constitution presented several problems which could have been debated to be correct by both parties. Because of Jefferson and Hamilton’s different ideas and interpretations of the constitution, the United States flourished.