From These Beginnings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

From These Beginnings - Essay Example Thomas Jefferson suggested that new nations should have a written constitution. During the war, congress exercised a high level of political, diplomatic, military and economic authority. Among the many things that happened was adoption of trade restrictions, developed and established an army, created a military code among others. The constitution had major omissions especially in the clauses regarding fugitives of the law would be punished. The bill of rights of 1787 empowered the constitution that said that; no excessive bail will be required, no excessive fines or no cruel and unusual punishments to the fugitives. The bill of rights also made sure that all people were treated as the constitution dictated. The powers not given to the state by the constitution was reserved to the people. Alexander Hamilton was the first treasury secretary. He convinced congress to pass an elastic interpretation of the constitution. Thomas Jefferson rejected the motion because what they were about to do was unconstitutional. Hamilton was a federalist while on the other side Jefferson was an anti-federalist who advocated for the poor and the rights of the state. When Jefferson was voted in office, he did not change the federalists programs. The only thing that he changed was revoking the excise tax (Howard 72). Jefferson philosophy in leadership was due to the weak central government of his administration. As most of the power was in the state. The philosophy stated that the power should be limited, to prevent undermining the state and its people. Hamilton philosophy differed greatly from Jefferson, who advocated for the strict interpretation of the constitution. When Jefferson was elected in office, he hardy touched the federalists programs. The major thing that he did was to revoke the excise tax. It led to outraging of the federalists. By cancelling or revoking the excise tax, which meant that no more taxation from alcohol and cigarettes hence little money for the