Thomas Jefferson’s political worldview
There were indications that Thomas Jefferson’s political worldview, as indicated in the Declaration of Independence, was classical republican. Allen Jayne noted that Jefferson was a thorough reader of the Greek and Roman classics” (p. 2) and many scholars wonder whether the Declaration could be interpreted in terms of republicanism rather than liberalism, citing Bernard Bailyn’s works.
In the book entitled The Political Writings of Thomas Jefferson, co-authored by Jefferson himself with Merrill D. Peterson, it reveals Jefferson’s political worldview particularly on the issue of Human Rights. The book emphasizes Jefferson’s political dialogue in which he said, all men are created equal in the sense that all are equal in the order of nature and none is dependent on the will of another” (Jefferson & Peterson, 1993, p. 15). Jefferson believed in the institution of government to protect and secure the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; citizens should not be deprived of these privileges. Moreover, he believed that citizenship was a natural right and any person might freely acquire it. He was opposed to slavery and worked hard to curb it though abolition “never rose to the top of his political agenda” (Jefferson & Peterson, p. 15).
Jefferson’s political worldview regarding the power of government was expressed in his Declaration of Independence. He believed that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed” (p. 15). Jefferson advocated for periodic amendments and revisions to the constitution so that it could progress alongside society. His vision was for a United States where citizens were free. His views on the Bill of Rights and government institutions, as outlined in his Declaration of Independence, reflect these ideals.
In his political view of the Bill of Rights, Jefferson emphasized religious freedom anchored on twin principles: freedom of religious conscience and separation of church and state. This was an important subject during that time due to the religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants. Religion was rigid and strict, with anyone risking their life by practicing a different expression of faith. Jefferson envisioned a state where everyone enjoys freedom of religious conscience, with the government respecting that freedom and protecting people’s lives, properties, and rights. He saw a government that promotes not only citizens’ welfare but also their freedom – one that does not interfere in church affairs nor vice versa.
In general, Jefferson envisioned an agrarian economy for the United States. This was perhaps natural for him because, during his time, the Federal Policy was designed to establish a nation of small farmers. Additionally, Jefferson himself loved farming (Rural America at the Crossroads, p. 134). To achieve his ideals, Jefferson initiated opening the country for settlement by small farmers. The book entitled Rural America at the Crossroads pointed out that Jefferson dislodged foreign governments and Native Americans to allow settlers to establish themselves on the frontier (p. 134).
The Political Worldview of Alexander Hamilton
Before discussing Alexander Hamilton’s political views, it is important to understand who he was. Unlike Thomas Jefferson, who holds a prominent place in American history, Hamilton’s political career was short-lived, as was his life. His widow outlived him by half a century and struggled to raise their seven children. Hamilton was born in 1757 to a Scotch merchant father and a French Huguenot mother who died when he was young. He was left in the care of maternal relations that made his youth miserable; however, during this time, the future statesman’s potential shone through in a letter to his friend. Regarding this letter, Henry Cabot Lodge noted:
These clear and sensible business letters are not unusual in themselves. However, it is quite remarkable that they were written by a young man whose peers were still learning basic grammar on school benches. Despite this, his abilities were exceptional enough to not only write such letters but also manage the affairs of a significant merchant independently” (p. 3).
Hamilton was able to advance himself in the intellectual world, which led to a new experience in military service and ultimately his political career. His political worldview was reflected in his 1791 Reports on the Subject of Manufacturers, where he envisioned the United States as an economic and political power” (Perlman & McCann, p. 188). At that time, the United States was predominantly an agrarian society with agriculture being identified with self-sufficiency and independence.
Hamilton saw the future of the United States in manufacturing and worked hard to impress his views upon Congress. He envisioned a powerful country that played an important role in world affairs. According to Perlman and McCann’s view of Hamilton’s economic measures, he was largely influenced by prominent British political economists who believed that increasing economic wealth would benefit and enhance state power.
Hamilton’s political worldview centered around economic issues, particularly on the importance of manufacturing. He believed that a manufacturing-based economy would have positive impacts such as perfecting division of labor, improving productivity through machinery employment, expanding employment opportunities for businesses supporting manufacturing, fostering immigration diversity among labor forces’ talents while stimulating imagination and creativity for increased enterprise objects demand for agricultural surplus (Perlman & McCann p. 189).
Hamilton lobbied Congress for approval of his economic proposal which shifted America’s approach from small farming economies to manufacturing.
Obviously, the differences between Jefferson and Hamilton’s political worldviews were their concepts of the economy. Jefferson believed that small farming was an essential factor for the economy, while Hamilton saw it as inferior to manufacturing. However, both men were gifted with extraordinary intelligence that made them shine above others. They were men of principles whose integrity and credibility were unquestioned. Both contributed to what the United States has become today through their visions and economic policies they had endeavored for Congress to accept, which greatly helped transform the agrarian economy into a manufacturing and industrial economy that brought enormous wealth and power to the country. It was unfortunate that Hamilton did not live long enough to see most of his ideals become factors in the tremendous growth of the country’s economy.
The ways in which today’s world reflects the visions of these two founding fathers.
Jefferson’s vision of a nation of small farmers and planters may not be as appealing today, but his vision of a free nation where every citizen enjoys freedom of religious conscience is reflected in the culture that is rapidly shaping American society. This culture allows every American to practice what they believe is beneficial for them, which is the essence of freedom. Jefferson’s vision is also reflected in the American Constitution, which promotes equality, liberty, and justice regardless of race, ethnic origin or status in society. This has made the American justice system fair and credible.
On the other hand, Hamilton’s vision of an industrial and manufacturing economy is reflected in what America has become today: a powerful nation with a strong economy that plays a major role in world affairs. The continued global economic expansion of America and the interests of the American public in commerce are a testament to the influence of Hamilton’s economic vision.
Who would be more satisfied with what we have become? And which vision has had the most influence?
Apparently, Hamilton’s vision had the most influence on the economy. However, in terms of American society, governance, and justice implementation, Jefferson’s vision had a significant impact. Both men have had a profound influence on today’s society but their influence lies in different components of the American nation. Jefferson had an important influence on society particularly in the implementation of law and justice while Hamilton’s vision was influential in transforming the United States into both an economic and political power.
Works Cited
Here are some recommended books:
- Jayne, Allen. Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence. USA: University Press of Kentucky, 2000.
- Jefferson, Thomas & Peterson, Merrill. The Political Writings of Thomas Jefferson. USA: UNC Press, 1993.
- Lodge, Henry. Alexander Hamilton. USA: Kessinger Publishing, 2004.
- Perlman, Mark & McCann, Charles. The Pillars of Economic Understanding: Ideas and Traditions. USA: University of Michigan Press, 1998.
The U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment published Rural America at the Crossroads: Networking for the Future” in 1991. The book was published by DIANE Publishing.
