In the late 1700s and early 1800s, there were some major disagreements between the political parties. The two leaders of the parties were Thomas Jefferson, Republican, and Alexander Hamilton, Federalist. Although they were both two great leaders in U.S. history, they both had different view for the politics and economics of the country. Therefore, the different opinions created controversy between, not only these two men, but their supporters as well.When the decision came up on whether or not to establish the Constitution, Jefferson and the other Republicans were originally against it. When they finally agreed to it, they wanted a strict interpretation of the law, or followed as closely as possible. Jefferson stated in his inaugural address, "all will arrange themselves under the will of the law," (Doc. C). One of Jefferson's supporters, Richard Henry Lee, agreed with this and said that this plan was "the best that can be got at present," (Doc. D). The Republicans all believed in a strict interpretation, whereas Hamilton and his Federalist followers wanted a loose interpretation. As stated in the federalist papers they wanted to give all citizens the same options. (Doc. E) They believed there was no need in strictly following the Constitution because the separate departments would "keeping each other in their proper place," (Doc. G). In other words, they thought checks and balances would keep tyranny out of the government.
One of the main disagreements between Jefferson and Hamilton was that of the Constitutionality of a national bank. Thomas Jefferson was a simple man. He wanted an agrarian society with a self-sustaining economy. He stated that the power to establish a bank "have not, in my opinion, been delegated to the U.S. by the Constitution." (Doc. A) Hamilton, being the first Secretary of State, saw how the bank could help organize the economy. He said the power to establish a bank was an implied power and should be "considered as delegated equally with express ones.