Hamilton vs Jefferson
Evaluating Sources
Objective
To what extent does Hamilton the musical accurately depict the debate between
Hamilton and Jefferson over the National Bank of the United States?
Issues
Hamilton
...
Hamilton vs Jefferson
Evaluating Sources
Objective
To what extent does Hamilton the musical accurately depict the debate between
Hamilton and Jefferson over the National Bank of the United States?
Issues
Hamilton
(Federalist Party)
Jefferson
(Democratic-Republican Party)
Federalism
(division of power)
Strong central government, weak state
governments
Strong state governments, weak central
government
Tariff (taxes) on
imported goods
US government should tax imported goods
to generate revenue and pay off debts.
This encourages people to buy American
made goods and encourages
manufacturing.
States should not be subjected to a
national tax of any kind. There should be
no tariffs on imports.
US Economy Manufacturing, the US government should
support manufacturing
Farming is the main economic activity that
the US should protect and support
Interpretation of
the Constitution
Elastic clause allows for loose
interpretation of the Constitution
Strict interpretation, government shouldn’t
go beyond what is outlined in Constitution
Whiskey Rebellion
National government has the power to
issue taxes to raise revenue. The Whiskey
Rebellion represents a plot to promote
states rights and was put down properly.
National government should leave taxation
to the states. In the Whiskey Rebellion, the
government used the army to put down
legitimate protest to an unfair government
tax.
● Who do you think would be against the bank - Hamilton or Jefferson and why? Jefferson would
be against the bank because he doesn’t think the government shouldn’t go beyond what’s in the
constitution.
Historical Context - Cabinet Battle #1 from Hamilton (2015) - a Broadway Musical
Directions
First Listen: Cabinet Battle # 1: Listen to the song Cabinet Battle #1 from Hamilton the Musical
by Lin Manuel-Miranda (2015). The first time you listen to it, jot your thoughts down in the box
below. Use the questions below to help you shape your notes and reflections.
● What do you hear? Jefferson and Hamilton arguing over the bank and whether or not its
constitutional
● Based on this song, who do you think supports the bank? Hamilton
● Based on your first listen to this song, what do you think the relationship was like between
Hamilton and Jefferson? I don’t think that they get along very well because they both have
very different opinions
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