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Hamilton vs Jefferson — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging U.S. history reading passage explores the contrasting visions of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, two influential leaders in the early days of the United States. Hamilton advocated for a strong central government, industry, and banking, while Jefferson supported agriculture and states' rights. Students will learn how their debates shaped the nation's economy and political structure, and how their disagreements continue to impact American society today. The passage includes vocabulary support, a Spanish translation, and a simplified version for differentiated instruction. Activities include multiple-choice questions, writing prompts, graphic organizers, and a timeline to help students analyze and compare historical perspectives. Aligned to HSS 8.3.4 and CCSS.RI.6-8.1, RI.6-8.6, this resource also features read aloud audio and is designed to build critical thinking skills about the nation's founding.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Leaders of the Continental Congress-John Adams, Morris, Hamilton, Jefferson - A. Tholey. LCCN00649557 — "Leaders of the Continental Congress-John Adams, Morris, Hamilton, Jefferson" / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

The early years of the United States were shaped by a fierce debate between two leaders: Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson. Both men played major roles in forming the new nation, but they had very different visions for America's future. Their disagreements would influence how the government and economy developed in the years after independence.

Alexander Hamilton, born in the Caribbean and later a key advisor to President George Washington, believed the United States needed a strong central government. He argued that a powerful federal government was necessary to keep the country unified and to handle national problems. Hamilton wanted to build an economy based on industry, factories, and banking. He believed that supporting manufacturing and creating a national bank would help the nation grow and compete with European powers.

In contrast, Thomas Jefferson, who wrote the Declaration of Independence and became the third president, favored a government with more states' rights. Jefferson thought that too much federal power could threaten people's freedoms. He wanted America to remain a nation of independent farmers. Jefferson believed that agriculture, not industry, was the best foundation for the country. He saw farmers as honest, self-reliant citizens who could keep democracy strong.

Their conflict became clear when Hamilton, as Secretary of the Treasury, proposed creating a national bank. He said this bank would help manage the country's debts and improve credit. Jefferson argued that the Constitution did not give the government the right to make such a bank. This dispute highlighted a difference in how each man interpreted the Constitution. Hamilton believed in a "loose" interpretation, allowing government to take actions not specifically forbidden. Jefferson insisted on a "strict" interpretation, limiting government to powers clearly listed in the Constitution.

These opposing viewpoints led to the first political parties in the United States. Hamilton's supporters formed the Federalist Party, which favored a strong central government and close ties with Britain. Jefferson's followers formed the Democratic-Republican Party, supporting states' rights and France. Their rivalry was not just personal, but reflected real concerns about how to build a new nation. Both men worried about threats to liberty, but they disagreed about how best to protect it.

In the end, both Hamilton and Jefferson influenced the nation's direction. The United States developed both industry and agriculture, and the debate over federal and state power continues even today. Their arguments helped set the boundaries for American government and society. By studying their debate, historians learn how conflict and compromise shaped the country.

Interesting Fact: Although they disagreed on many issues, Hamilton and Jefferson both served in President Washington's cabinet and helped establish important traditions for future leaders.

Who wanted a strong federal government?

Alexander HamiltonThomas JeffersonGeorge WashingtonJames Madison

Which leader preferred agriculture?

HamiltonJeffersonAdamsFranklin

What did Hamilton want to create?

A national bankA new armyA farming systemA foreign alliance

Why did Jefferson oppose the national bank?

It was too expensiveNot in ConstitutionIt helped farmersIt made states stronger

What was a main result of their conflict?

Civil warFirst political partiesNew states formedIndependence from Britain

Hamilton believed industry would help the country compete with whom?

European powersNative AmericansSouthern statesFrance only