Weaknesses in Jeffersonian Principles

Weaknesses in Jeffersonian Principles

Alexander Hamilton favored an extensive and broad interpretation of powers of the federal government.  As such, it is clear that Hamilton's views entail a combination of a limited and energetic form of governance. On the other hand, Jeffersonian constitutionalists rally for narrowed national powers that do not reflect the energetic government ought to be realized by the designed constitution. Therefore, Hamilton’s usefulness surfaces in his ability to harmonize Americans’ commitment to a limited form of government that respects decisions made at the national stage (Nester, 2012).

Hamiltonian constitutionalism can guide contemporary conservatives in understanding the national government powers and roles. Contrastingly, careful analysis reveals that Jeffersonian Constitutionalism raises an issue as it advocates that the national powers should be narrowed. In addition, his views rest on assumptions undermining the legitimacy of federal sovereignty.

Embracing Jefferson's strict views and approaches are similar to admitting that the United Sates lacks fidelity tradition to constitutional limits as imposed by power enumeration. As early as 1790s, America jettisoned to observing federal power limits. It happened when George Washington and the Congress embraced Hamilton’s federalist policies (Nester, 2012). Thus, a consideration of Jefferson’s strict merits will reveal its pronounced intrinsic flaws. One of them is that it undermines the public respect and regard for the constitution as a form of law.

In summary, it is evident that federalism offers conservatives a root approach to national power. In essence, it is a diversion from Jeffersonian issues (McClanahan & Wilson, 2012). At the same time, Hamiltonian views sustain the cause of limited governance. While Hamiltonian conservatism cannot be classified as an oxymoron, it is one of the sustainable ways in which free citizens can harmonize their commitment to a limited government while respecting Union’s security.

References

McClanahan, B., & Wilson, C. N. (2012). Forgotten Conservatives in American Hist. Louisiana: Pelican Publishing Company, Inc.

Nester, W. R. (2012). The Hamiltonian Vision, 1789-1800: The Art of American Power During the Early Republic. Montgomery: Potomac Books, Inc.