Founding Brothers Lesson Plan

Which dichotomies emerge in Ellis's account of the debates over assumption and the location of the capital? Have any of these persisted?

In this chapter, the political divides that defined many of the central debates among the founders come into clearer focus. These include the tensions between state and federal sovereignty, commercial and agrarian economy, what Ellis describes as the separation of "political and financial capitals," and the regional split between North and South. Students might also identify the juxtaposition of leadership styles between Hamilton and Madison, and between Jefferson and others in the congressional fray.

What do you think about Jefferson's...