Alexander Hamilton’s and Thomas Jefferson’s lives were filled with disagreements. The most important disagreement was over the power of the federal government. Hamilton was so insistent that the federalists were the Federalists because he believed it was vital that the government was strong and could demonstrate its power. Jefferson and Democratic Republicans, on the other hand, were not in favor of increasing the federal government’s powers, arguing that it could lead tyranny. Hamilton was right in the end, and our federal government now has more power than state governments.
Hamilton is still regarded as the most influential advocate of Federalism. Hamilton believed the federal government could show off its power, as Washington did in crushing the Whiskey Rebellion. Hamilton proposed several programs including the strengthening of the presidency’s powers and the establishment of a National Bank. Hamilton’s contribution to America probably was the Bank of the United States. This gave the federal authorities more power and money. Hamilton played a key role in strengthening the national government. Hamilton set many things into motion that helped to achieve this. John Marshall is also a man who deserves credit for the strong federal system we have today. John Adams nominated John Marshall to be Chief Justice at the Supreme Court three years after Hamilton’s death. As a Washingtonian at Valley Forge during the war, he watched local farmers selling high priced food to a starving military. This convinced him of the need for a strong Federal government. Marshall was able to interpret and decide that the national authority had a right to become stronger. Hamilton tried to change public opinion and institute programs to strengthen national government. Marshall determined “Article 1, Section 8, of Constitution” which said Congress had to provide for “the common Defense and general Welfare”, meant Congress and the federal governments were entitled to more power. Marshall also ruled the Maryland state did not have the power to tax the Second Bank of the United States. This helped establish the federal authority over state law. John Marshall’s long career as the Chief Justice on the Supreme Court saw him support a strong national government. Marshall made many decisions and interpretations during this time that have helped establish today’s federal strength.
Alexander Hamilton or John Marshall – who has had a greater impact in the formation and strength of the federal government today than John Marshall? Why?
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