dealt the reserve powers, and the Electoral College. Only the federal government can coin money and enter into international alliances.Hamilton was the original Federalist, he believed that only a strong central government could provide the nation with the stability it would need to maintain its independence. The anti-federalists saw it as a threat to the newfound liberty, and feared replacing one oppression with another. Political parties formed initially around two positions: federalists in support of a strong national government and the Democrat-Republican party opposing the centralizing government. The first dispute over federalism arose early in Washingtons presidency when Hamilton proposed the creation of a national bank. Thomas Jefferson opposed the bank on the grounds that its activities would benefit commercial interests over farmers. In McCullough v. Maryland, the question was raised: Can government charter a national bank, and if so, can the states tax it? The elastic clause says that Congress has the authority to make all laws, which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution, the foregoing powers. This is also referred to as the necessary and proper clause. The two parties interpreted this clause differently. The anti federalists adhered to the strict definition while Hamilton opted for a broader definition, in which the Congress could combine two numerated powers to justify a separate power. Also, states cant tax a national bank because it would be an obstacle in economic unity. To the anti federalists however, the Tenth amendment leaves no room to argue that all powers not specified to the national government or denied to the states are reserved to the states or the people. The broad interpretation was upheld, and it took power from states. George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and their Federalist colleagues argued for an expansive interpretation of federal authority. On the other hand, Thomas Jefferson ...
