Hamilton and Jefferson

Quotation Interpretation

“In countries where there is great private wealth, much may be effected by the voluntary contributions of patriotic individuals but in a community situated like that of the United States the public purse must supply the deficiency of private resource.  In what can it be so useful, as in prompting and improving the efforts of industry?” (pg 149)

 This quote effectively supports Hamilton’s feeling towards government responsibility towards the United States constituents by state influence, and monetary efforts of industry.  The responsibility of monetary betterment in the United States rely not only on private individuals, but on the government itself.

Question #1
Assuming that the "command" in Hamilton's writing is to establish the National Bank or support that establishment, what are the "reports" he uses to support this command?

·         Report on Credit
·         Opinion on the Constitutionality of the Bank
·         Report on Manufactures

Question #2
Explain Jefferson's argument that individuals possess a moral sense?

Jefferson stated people over time will lose their morals if not kept in check by the government.  They can easily “forget” what is moralistically important if they ignore their innate sense of right and wrong.