American Republic Summary: How did Thomas Jefferson envision the American Republic?

American Republic
Name
Course
Institution
Date
Thomas Jefferson envisioned the American Republic where farmers had power and states exercised power and not the federal government. Consequently, Jefferson adopted policies that imposed limitations on the government, supported the agriculture sector, and reduced military expenditures. Small government was also closely linked to a strict interpretation of the Constitution where there was no interference from the government and other branches of the government. Jefferson's political philosophy is summed up as the idea that limited governments are the best. On the contrary, Hamilton emphasized an economic plan that promoted manufacturing and commerce, while he also favored the federal government wields more power. The most contentious issue between the two was how government power exercises control.
Like other Federalists, Hamilton supported an expanded government where there would be a national bank with branches, which would help handle the country's finances and improve credit. Jefferson's and Hamilton's views on the government's role influenced their support for and against domestic policies. Hamilton, a strong central government, was necessary for the country to thrive. This extends to Hamilton's support of a standing army, but his critics were suspicious that this would undermine freedom and liberty. Hamilton financed the national debt, established a national bank, and reformed the government administration, but Jefferson's ideas were more influential. Jefferson was against a national bank as he believed it would be too big and powerful, while it would likely serve wealthy businesspeople in cities and not farmers in the country.
Hamilton saw the country needed to focus on urban commercial developm...