For much of their lives, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson argued about countless things. Perhaps the most important thing they disagreed about, however, was the amount of power the federal government should exercise. Hamilton was adamant that it was essential for the federal government to be strong and able to demonstrate its power, so much so that his political party was called the Federalists. Jefferson and the Democratic Republicans, however, were more weary of strengthening the power of the federal government and argued that this could lead to tyranny. Today it is safe to say that Hamilton was ultimately right, as our federal government has far more authority than our state governments. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Hamilton was the face of federalism and to this day is still considered perhaps its most influential proponent. He believed that the federal government should be able to flex its might, as Washington did to quell the Whiskey Rebellion. Hamilton also proposed programs that included strengthening the president's powers and creating a National Bank. The Bank of the United States was probably Hamilton's most significant contribution to America, and essentially gave the federal government more money and power. Obviously, Hamilton had a great influence on strengthening our national government and set in motion some of the things that led to that. However, there is also another man who deserves recognition for the strong federal government we know today, John Marshall. John Marshall was appointed Chief Justice by John Adams in 1801, just three years before Hamilton's untimely death. While serving under Washington at Valley Forge, he saw local farmers selling food to the starving army at high prices, which convinced him that America needed a strong federal government. While Hamilton worked to institute programs and change public opinion to strengthen the national government, Marshall actually had the power to interpret the Constitution and rule that the national government had the right to be stronger. Marshall ruled that “Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution, which states that the purpose of Congress is 'to provide for the common defense and general welfare,'” meant that Congress and the federal government were entitled to more power ( Ripper 137). Marshall also ruled that the state of Maryland had no right to tax a branch of the Second Bank of the United States, which helped specifically establish the authority of federal law and government over state law and government. Throughout his long career as Chief Justice, John Marshall was an advocate for a strong national government and issued numerous rulings and interpretations that helped establish the federal force we recognize today. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Which man had the greatest influence in the formation of the strong federal government and the authority of federal versus state governments we know today, Alexander Hamilton or John Marshall? Why?