Question

Was Henry Clay more of a Hamiltonian or a Jeffersonian? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

Hamiltonian

Hamilton believed the federal government had the right to regulate and invest in the economy. Henry Clay also believed in a strong federal government and one that could aid in the advancement of the economy.

Henry Clay came up with and supported the American System. The American System supported industrial advancement and the creation of a national bank. Clay wanted the government to invest taxes into canals, roads, and railroads. He supported tariffs which would help grow American industry but often hurt farming industries, which would have been supported by Jeffersonian thinkers.

Answer 2

Henry Clay's political views were more in line with those of Hamilton. Clay wanted to introduce something called "The American System". The system included enforcing a protective tariff. This was a 20%-25% tax on imported goods. This system also called for a national bank. And finally, it called for improvements to the country's transportation system by building railroads and roads.
Since this system called for the unification of the country, it was more in line with the views of Alexander Hamilton.