Copy of Cabinet Battle #1 - 2 Column Annotation PDF

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Summary

Analyzing Cabinet battle number one from the musical Hamilton in order to gain understanding of the differences between the Democratic-Republicans and the Federalist parties....

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Analysis of Cabinet Battle #1

Read/listen and complete the activity in the right column. Lyrics WASHINGTON: Ladies and gentlemen, you coulda been anywhere in the world tonight, but you’re here with us in New York City. Are you ready for a cabinet meeting??? The issue on the table: Secretary Hamilton’s plan to assume state debt and establish a national bank. Secretary Jefferson, you have the floor, sir

JEFFERSON: ‘Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’ We fought for these ideals; we shouldn’t settle for less These are wise words, enterprising men quote ‘em Don’t act surprised, you guys, cuz I wrote ‘em

Preview: Prior to reading/listening to the song, look at Hamilton’s financial plan. What do you think Hamilton will say in support of his plan? Establishing a National bank and assuming state debt would help out the central government because then all the states’ debts would be paid off, and the government would have some money. What do you think Jefferson might say against Hamilton’s plan? That this plan only benefits the states that are still in debt.

In the space on the side, provide the historical context for Jefferson’s side of the debate. Jefferson is from Virginia and he opposes Hamilton’s plan because of his native. He believed that it only benefited the rich and that it would be at the expense of indebted farmers.

JEFFERSON & MADISON: Oww JEFFERSON: But Hamilton forgets His plan would have the government assume states’ debts Now, place your bets as to who that benefits: The very seat of government where Hamilton sits HAMILTON: Not true!

According to Jefferson, who does not benefit from Hamilton’s plan to assume state debts? The south

JEFFERSON: Ooh, if the shoe fits, wear it If New York’s in debt— Why should Virginia bear it? Uh! Our debts are paid, I’m afraid Don’t tax the South cuz we got it made in the shade In Virginia, we plant seeds in the ground We create. You just wanna move our money around This financial plan is an outrageous demand And it’s too many damn pages for any man to understand Stand with me in the land of the free And pray to God we never see Hamilton’s candidacy Look, when Britain taxed our tea, we got frisky Imagine what gon’ happen when you try to tax our whisky

WASHINGTON: Thank you, Secretary Jefferson. Secretary Hamilton, your response

How do Jefferson’s lines here highlight the difference between Hamilton’s and Jefferson’s view of America? Jefferson see’s America as a place to escape Britain, and it seems like all authority. Hamilton sees it as a place for opportunity, he constantly wants the country to grow.

Summarize the main points of Jefferson’s argument. Jefferson believed that Hamilton's plan did not benefit the south. He says that their debts are paid, and that Hamilton just wants to take their money.

In the space on the side, provide the historical context for Hamilton’s side of the debate. The country had no source of income, and most states were in debt. Hamilton

HAMILTON: Thomas. That was a real nice declaration Welcome to the present, we’re running a real nation Would you like to join us, or stay mellow Doin’ whatever the hell it is you do in Monticello? If we assume the debts, the union gets A new line of credit, a financial diuretic How do you not get it? If we’re aggressive and competitive The union gets a boost. You’d rather give it a sedative? A civics lesson from a slaver. Hey neighbor Your debts are paid cuz you don’t pay for labor “We plant seeds in the South. We create.” Yeah, keep ranting We know who’s really doing the planting And another thing, Mr. Age of Enlightenment Don’t lecture me about the war, you didn’t fight in it You think I’m frightened of you, man? We almost died in a trench While you were off getting high with the French Thomas Jefferson, always hesitant with the President Reticent—there isn’t a plan he doesn’t jettison Madison, you’re mad as a hatter, son, take your medicine Damn, you’re in worse shape than the national debt is in Sittin’ there useless as two sh--Hey, turn around, bend over, I’ll show you Where my shoe fits

came up with a plan to combat this lack of money. In addition, how does Hamilton respond to Jefferson’s points? He states that Jefferson doesn’t understand why this is beneficial, he says that his plan will “boost” the union, while not combating the problem, like Jefferson suggests” will “give it a sedative”. He also suggests that Jefferson is not being realistic because he doesn’t support his plan. He mentions the fact that Jefferson is a “slaver”, and that the south has only paid off their debts because they don’t have to pay employees.

What is Hamilton’s argument in support of his financial plan? He states that his plan would encourage capital flows, and without it the union would suffer.

What is Hamilton’s view of slavery, according to the lines in this section? What makes you think that? He opposes it, he talks about how Jefferson owned slaves, and how that’s the only reason his state is not in debt. He points out how Jefferson said that they plant seeds in the south, when in reality the farmers aren’t the ones doing the planting.

Summarize the main points of Hamilton’s argument. Hamilton argues that his plan will boost the union, and that without his plan being put into action the union will be

given a sedative. He also argues that the only reason Jefferson is opposed to his plan is because he, and most other people in the south, owned slave that did all the work in order for their debts to be paid.

WASHINGTON: Excuse me? Jefferson, Madison, take a walk! Hamilton, take a walk! We’ll reconvene after a brief recess. Hamilton! HAMILTON: Sir! WASHINGTON: A word MADISON: You don’t have the votes JEFFERSON/MADISON: You don’t have the votes JEFFERSON: Aha-ha-ha ha! JEFFERSON/MADISON: You’re gonna need congressional approval and you don’t have the votes JEFFERSON: Such a blunder sometimes it makes me wonder why I even bring the thunder MADISON: Why he even brings the thunder…

What do Jefferson and Madison mean when they say, “you don’t have the votes...you’re gonna need Congressional approval and you don’t have the votes.” In order for Hamilton’s plan to be put into action he needs all thirteen members of congress to be on board, and clearly they’re not since Jefferson and Madison are opposed.

Quick Research: What is Madison’s role in the government at this time? He was a delegate from Virginia.

WASHINGTON: You wanna pull yourself together? HAMILTON: I’m sorry, these Virginians are birds of a feather

Why would Madison’s support be needed to pass the financial plan? He was a member of congress.

WASHINGTON: Young man, I’m from Virginia, so watch your mouth HAMILTON: So we let Congress get held hostage by the South? WASHINGTON: You need the votes HAMILTON: No, we need bold strokes. We need this plan WASHINGTON: No, you need to convince more folks HAMILTON: James Madison won’t talk to me, that’s a nonstarter WASHINGTON: Winning was easy, young man. Governing’s harder HAMILTON: They’re being intransigent WASHINGTON: You have to find a compromise HAMILTON: But they don’t have a plan, they just hate mine!

Quick research: What is the compromise that Hamilton eventually works out with Jefferson and Madison? The compromise of 1790

WASHINGTON: Convince them otherwise HAMILTON: What happens if I don’t get congressional approval?

What parts of his financial plan does Hamilton get? The national bank would pay for the war debt.

WASHINGTON: I imagine they’ll call for your removal HAMILTON: Sir— WASHINGTON: Figure it out, Alexander. That’s an order from your commander

Based upon what you read, what are some areas of disagreement between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson not highlighted in this song? Hamilton believed in a strong central government, while Jefferson believed in states’ rights. Hamilton believed that the government should be involved in the economy while Jefferson did not. Jefferson wanted an alliance with France while Hamilton wanted one with England....