Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton disagree much on the question, “What form of economy best serves the long-term interests of the American people and the future of the United States?” On what foundation does Jefferson root his recommendation that the American economy emphasize agriculture over manufacturing? Explain carefully. Where Hamilton is concerned, what virtues in the American people does he believe are nurtured by manufacturing and industry? Again, explain carefully. When and where helpful, cite directly to the works of Jefferson and Hamilton as presented on pages 98-102 of the Lindsay and Glenn text. Limit your response to no more than two paragraphs.
Item 2 (5 pts). Ronald Reagan’s “State of the Union Address” (1982)
Carefully review and reflect on ideas expressed by President Ronald Reagan in his “State of the Union Address” from 1982. Based on the text of President Reagan’s speech, identify two ways that his ideas collide or align with the progressive vision for America. Recall that we recently read and discussed Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson as president’s associated with American progressivism. A brief review of their ideas may be useful. Limit your response to one concisely written paragraph.
Item 3 (10 pts). Tocqueville on Individualism
Early in our discussions of political economy, you encountered a portion of Tocqueville’s Democracy in America (pp. 88-92 in the Lindsay and Glenn text) wherein he argues that “individualism” (in the way that he defines the term) poses a threat to the health of “public life” in America. In what sense might the “individualism” he speaks of undermine the practice of self-government? Is there anything in the design of American government that protects democracy from the effects of the “individualism” he describes? Limit your response to two fully developed paragraphs. When and where helpful, cite directly to Tocqueville’s discussion.
