"Parties & Politicks" of Today

Ask your peers to identify the most treasured quality of American society and many will give you a one-word answer—independence.  It was for the creation of independence that the revolutionary colonists rebelled from the British, and it is for the maintenance and continuation of our independence that Americans at all levels of governance debate over each decision made and each bill signed into law.

Though it seems all Americans share and prioritize a common value in independence, there are differing opinions and theories on how our independence is to sustain itself in a country whose people are incredibly diverse in culture, needs, and desires.  And though these differences often result in polarized political parties, it is the belief that all differences are rooted in pursuit of a common goal—independence—that makes the American political system unique. 

Take, for instance, the example used in chapter four of Wolf’s book, entitled “Parties & Politicks”.  Thomas Jefferson and James Madison established themselves as staunch and passionate Republicans, while Alexander Hamilton quickly became their chief Federalist rival.  The two groups built their own coalitions—forming two of the earliest American political parties.  Their visions for the future of the United States were different—Jefferson and Madison believed that agriculture must dominate the American landscape; Hamilton believed that trade and mercantilism relations with foreign country should be heavily pursued.

However different their visions for the United States’ future, their goals were the same:  How can America best preserve the independence for which they fought so bravely?  For the Republicans, agriculture meant self-sufficiency, and self-sufficiency meant independence.  If Americans could develop and sustain their own economy, the Republicans believed, they ridded themselves of any potential of being ruled once again by foreign powers.  For the Federalists, a strong, central government would lead to America’s rise as a powerful and strong country, well respected in the world—far from a country to be once again colonized or ruled.

I think that Americans today can learn a great and valuable lesson from studying the differing beliefs and visions of Jefferson, Madison, and Hamilton.  In today’s vicious political environment, we often lose sight and forget that most American leaders are fighting for the same things—independence—but simply differ in political ideology and visions for the future of our country.