Responses to Hamilton questions

In order to make sure that you don't feel overwhelmed by the information being shared, I have decided to only address questions from the index cards that may have some relevance to tomorrow's test.  So, if your question is not addressed, it will not be relevant for tomorrow and we will address it at a later date.

However, because I do not want to necessarily just tell you an answer and have you write my response verbatim, my responses will be more in the form to get you to use what you already know about Hamilton to figure out the answers.

What were some actual arguments in "The Federalist Papers"?
Perhaps the most important chapter in the book is Chapter 13 - "Publius".  We will be looking at this one again very specifically when we come to this unit this year.  Chernow does a very strong job of laying out the ideas of the three authors and advocating the purpose and effects of this collection of essays.

How did Hamilton's National Bank and National Debt work?
Taking the ideas from the short video at the beginning of class and the idea that the national debt would give the federal government greater authority and opportunity to expand, it was all done for the purpose of establishing greater central authority.  By having the United States government as a major, but not majority, stockholder in the bank, it would be able to influence economic policy and direct the use of funds.

Why did Hamilton duel with Burr if he was so against the practice?
I don't have as much of an answer as I think it is a good one for people to consider.  I am not sure there is necessarily a "right" answer to this, but there are elements of Hamilton's personality and his relationship with Burr that could be used to make an argument.

Why was Madison so opposed to Hamilton's financial plans and mercantilist ideas for the country?
Consider Madison's role in the protection of civil liberties and his prominence as a Virginia politician and it should help you formulate a response to this question.

Describe Hamilton & Jefferson's relationship.
Contentious

What were Hamilton's views on the French Revolution?
Without directly answering that question, consider Hamilton's own ideas about America's revolution and the direction that he wanted to take the United States' government.

In comparison to the other "Founding Fathers" Hamilton seems  to be the most important?  Why?
Consider the kinds of responses you could provide for 4, 5, & 8 from the list of questions in class today.  That should give you a good idea of why his historical status is so elevated.

With his financial system targeting the more wealthy people like merchants, what was his vision for the more agrarian population?
A good question to consider for not just Hamilton, but for the history of governmental policy towards businesses and farmers.  One of the important ideas would be that supporting American manufacturing would open up more opportunities for international trade, thereby opening markets to American agricultural goods overseas.  His argument would also be that cheaper manufactured goods could also promote stronger internal trade.  Some see this kind of division of a manufacturing north and an agrarian south to be at the heart of the conflict that would divide the country during the civil war.

I will take a look at the cards again to see if I missed anything, but these should help you as you prepare for the test.  Great job with the questions (and with your insights in class today)!