The “American government is like a train on a track”. You have the people on the left shouting; you have the people on the right. But the train is on track.” As stated by Tom Wolfe. This quote relates to the American System by Henry Clay and relates to the Financial Plan presented by Alexander Hamilton. Both relate to the quote because these economic problems are 2 sided like a train on a train track. This shows that the government should have a consequential role in the economy by developing a national bank, collecting taxes, and improving infrastructure (roads and canals). The national bank is something that the government should have a role in because it needs to be created. One reason why the government should create a national bank is …show more content…
Source 1 is from the Constitution, which gives Congress the ability “to regulate commerce with foreign Nations and among the several States.” As well as “to establish Post Offices and post Roads.” This proposes that the Constitution provides a foundation for the federal government to fund and evolve infrastructure plans that clear the way for interstate commerce and transportation. Source 2 President James Madison vetoed a bill to provide funds for improvements on things such as roads and canals, not because he was opposed to it but because he did not believe the constitution clearly stated such actions were granted to the federal government. This implies that James Madison knew the importance of infrastructure development but didn't believe it was constitutional. He even went so far as saying that “I am aware of the great importance of roads and canals and that a power in the national legislature to provide for them would be a good thing for the country. Source 5: Henry Clay’s speech to the U.S. He argues that the “American System”of internal improvements and tariffs like the 1824 which brought many benefits such as “Farming has expanded, and employment is high. Debt has been reduced, land is worth more, and a national market is slowly developing for American goods.” After the implementation of the 1824 tariff national debt decreased. This suggests that infrastructure projects helped with economic growth and development, according to Henry Clay. On the other hand, some people may feel that there are too many unconstitutional points here, but in Article 1 section 8 of the constitution it states “To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution [these] powers.” The laws that it is talking about are the laws that are “To lay and collect taxes. to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. To