March 2026
The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle over Power in America by Jeff Rosen
A lucid work of political history that affords an intriguing view of the nation both in its founding years and today.
Rosen (law, George Washington Univ.) follows up 2024’s The Pursuit of Happiness with this book on Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson’s differing views on government and power, which still affect U.S. governance today. The Federalist view, as advocated by Hamilton, favored a strong central government, supported a national bank, promoted industry and trade, and advocated for a loose interpretation of the Constitution. In contrast, Jefferson (Democratic-Republican) prioritized states’ rights; limited the power of the federal government; did not want a national bank, which he believed was unconstitutional; and was in favor of a strict interpretation of the Constitution. These debates were more than simply intellectual, Rosen argues. They helped define and refine the core values of U.S. democracy and contributed to shaping the political landscape of a young nation. Rosen goes on to examine how these two opposing philosophies impacted U.S. history and Supreme Court decisions regarding Southern secession, the fight against enslavement, and the extent of presidential powers and immunity.
VERDICT Well-reasoned and expertly written, this is a critical volume for understanding the enduring conversation about how a nation wishes to be governed.
pp 432