SUMMARY
Fiske views the Hamiltonian-Jeffersonian conflict as fundamentally philosophical.
Beard views the Hamilton-Jefferson dispute as fundamentally economic.
EXAMPLE RESPONSES
1-Point Response
a. Fiske thinks the issue is about government power, while Beard thinks it is about
economic differences between groups.
b. Hamilton supported a national bank, which shows he wanted more government
power.
c. Jefferson supported farmers, which shows he represented agrarian interests.
Why this earns only 1 point:
-Part (a) is correct but simplistic
-(b) and (c) are vague and lack clear explanation
2-Point Response
a. Fiske argues that the main issue between Hamiltonians and Jeffersonians was the
role and size of government, with Hamilton supporting a stronger central
government and Jefferson favoring limited government. In contrast, Beard argues
the conflict was based on economic interests, with Hamilton representing wealthy
capitalists and Jefferson representing farmers.
b. One example supporting Fiske’s view is Hamilton’s creation of the national bank,
which expanded federal power and showed his belief in a strong central
government.
c. One example supporting Beard’s view is that Jefferson’s supporters were largely
farmers who opposed Hamilton’s financial policies, such as the national bank,
because they benefited wealthy elites.
Why this earns 2 points:
(a) clearly explains both views
(b) or (c) is well explained, but the other is more general
3-Point Response
a. Fiske argues that the central issue between Hamiltonians and Jeffersonians was ideological, specifically the proper size and power of government, with Hamiltonians favoring a strong central government and Jeffersonians supporting limited government and individual liberty. In contrast, Beard views the conflict as economic, arguing that Hamilton represented wealthy, capitalist interests while Jefferson represented agrarian farmers, making the conflict one between social classes rather than political philosophy.
b. One specific example supporting Fiske’s interpretation is Hamilton’s financial plan, particularly the establishment of the national bank, which expanded federal authority and demonstrated the Federalist belief in a strong central government managing the economy.
c. One specific example supporting Beard’s interpretation is the opposition to Hamilton’s assumption of state debts and funding system, which benefited wealthy bondholders and creditors. This led many farmers and rural citizens to support Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans, reinforcing Beard’s argument that political divisions were rooted in economic class interests.
Why this earns 3 points:
(a) clearly explains both interpretations + difference
(b) includes specific evidence + explanation tied to argument
(c) includes specific evidence + clear connection to class conflict
Fiske views the Hamiltonian-Jeffersonian conflict as fundamentally philosophical.
Beard views the Hamilton-Jefferson dispute as fundamentally economic.
EXAMPLE RESPONSES
1-Point Response
a. Fiske thinks the issue is about government power, while Beard thinks it is about
economic differences between groups.
b. Hamilton supported a national bank, which shows he wanted more government
power.
c. Jefferson supported farmers, which shows he represented agrarian interests.
Why this earns only 1 point:
-Part (a) is correct but simplistic
-(b) and (c) are vague and lack clear explanation
2-Point Response
a. Fiske argues that the main issue between Hamiltonians and Jeffersonians was the
role and size of government, with Hamilton supporting a stronger central
government and Jefferson favoring limited government. In contrast, Beard argues
the conflict was based on economic interests, with Hamilton representing wealthy
capitalists and Jefferson representing farmers.
b. One example supporting Fiske’s view is Hamilton’s creation of the national bank,
which expanded federal power and showed his belief in a strong central
government.
c. One example supporting Beard’s view is that Jefferson’s supporters were largely
farmers who opposed Hamilton’s financial policies, such as the national bank,
because they benefited wealthy elites.
Why this earns 2 points:
(a) clearly explains both views
(b) or (c) is well explained, but the other is more general
3-Point Response
a. Fiske argues that the central issue between Hamiltonians and Jeffersonians was ideological, specifically the proper size and power of government, with Hamiltonians favoring a strong central government and Jeffersonians supporting limited government and individual liberty. In contrast, Beard views the conflict as economic, arguing that Hamilton represented wealthy, capitalist interests while Jefferson represented agrarian farmers, making the conflict one between social classes rather than political philosophy.
b. One specific example supporting Fiske’s interpretation is Hamilton’s financial plan, particularly the establishment of the national bank, which expanded federal authority and demonstrated the Federalist belief in a strong central government managing the economy.
c. One specific example supporting Beard’s interpretation is the opposition to Hamilton’s assumption of state debts and funding system, which benefited wealthy bondholders and creditors. This led many farmers and rural citizens to support Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans, reinforcing Beard’s argument that political divisions were rooted in economic class interests.
Why this earns 3 points:
(a) clearly explains both interpretations + difference
(b) includes specific evidence + explanation tied to argument
(c) includes specific evidence + clear connection to class conflict