Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton served in the army when he was young. He was a lawyer and statesman of New York City. He was then appointed the first secretary of the treasury. Hamilton (Democratic-Republican Party) argued with John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr (all Federalist Party). When he had a now very famous duel with Burr, he was mortally wounded.

His arguments with Jefferson were about federal power and state power. Jefferson wanted federal power, but Hamilton thought differently: 'Give all power to the many, (the states)' he wrote,'and they will oppress the few. (the fed. gov.) Give all power to the few, and they will oppress the many. Both therefore ought to have power, that each may defend itself against the other.' This idea shaped the Constitution we know today. I think it's a very smart concept myself! ;-)

--Harrison Reiser