Question

thomas jefferson believed that the federal government was limited to the powers explicitly listed in the constitution. which best describes alexander hamilton’s view of this issue?
hamilton strongly supported jefferson’s interpretation of the constitution.
hamilton believed that the constitution was unrelated to the nation’s political structure.
hamilton felt that the constitution should be interpreted more strictly than jefferson.
hamilton favored a looser interpretation of the constitution than jefferson.

Explanation:

Thomas Jefferson favored a strict interpretation of the Constitution, believing the federal government only had powers explicitly listed. Alexander Hamilton, however, favored a loose (broad) interpretation, thinking the government could use implied powers. So we analyze each option:

• First option: Hamilton did not support Jefferson’s strict interpretation—eliminate.
• Second option: Hamilton saw the Constitution as foundational to political structure—eliminate.
• Third option: Hamilton’s view was looser, not stricter—eliminate.
• Fourth option: Hamilton favored a looser (more flexible) interpretation than Jefferson’s strict one—this matches.

Answer:

Hamilton favored a looser interpretation of the Constitution than Jefferson.