Although I mostly agree with Jefferson's notion for low voting standards, it can also unfairly tip the voting scale because (wow I'm really really trying to not sound mean), some lower class people do not try to work, and vote for presidents because they are promised free things taken from hard working rich people. Voting in favor of high taxes on wealthier people to "even it out" is selfish and lazy. I've interpreted Jefferson's all men are equal as all men have equal opportunity. Although this is not part of our current system, I feel that voters should be represented by some sort of job, spouse, or offspring.

As for the loose interpretation of the constitution, I do not agree with your statement that as times change the constitution should be interpreted differently. The constitution was created to keep this country great, changing the constitution only weakens our government and opens us up to failure that we have thus far avoided. Rules are rules, you can't pick and choose which ones to follow.

Your essay was especially effective from your use of listing specific examples of why you liked Hamilton more.

I feel uneasy choosing between these two men. Both of their ideas and opinions are still seen today. I cannot just decide which one affected America more, because they were both extremists in the way they were polar opposites. Anything Jefferson thought, Hamilton thought different. Jefferson was for the little guy, the farmers and the “common man.” Hamilton was more towards an industrialized society and a balanced economy, although he felt very strongly that poor people were incompetent and the wealthy and powerful should rule our country. Of course, I am supposed to make it clear whose side I am on. It’s not that easy, considering there really are no “sides.” The question is, “Who had the more enduring vision of the United States? Hamilton or Jefferson?” Not, “Whose political opinions do you more closely relate to, Hamilton or Jefferson?”

If you look around today, you can see these two men in every part of America. Hamilton’s wish for a strong central government is in place; meanwhile, Jefferson’s want for a more Democratic Government is also shown (although, a slight correction: America is a republic, or a representative democracy, not a direct democracy where majority rules). Some things, like the strict/loose interpretation of the constitution are pretty questionable in today’s age. In Hamilton’s vision, today economy is based off of a mix of agriculture, trade, finance and manufacturing, not limiting to a rural, farm-based society like Jefferson wished for.

Some things are still being decided today with difference in political opinions. For example, should the government give aid to support means of work such as listed above? This question has not been answered definitely; the debate dating back over a hundred years ago is still going on today.

The question, “Who had the more enduring vision of the United States?” is unanswerable. Both men were extremists in their own opinions, completely opposite of each other. When Hamilton strayed too far, Jefferson pulled back. When Jefferson got carried away Hamilton’s views balanced it out. The two men pushing against each other to establish their own idea in the foundation of the U.S is what created this society and country. Both of their visions for America endured these long years in their own ways. Personally, if I absolutely had to choose who would govern this country it would be Hamilton, because of his realistic approach to what our country needs, instead of Jefferson’s more idealistic ideas that don’t always fold out in real life how they’re supposed to, even though they sound good on paper.