The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle over Power in America
January 31, 2026 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Overview
Join us for a talk exploring how the opposing constitutional visions of Jefferson and Hamilton have defined our country for 250 years.
In The Pursuit of Liberty, bestselling author and president of the National Constitution Center Jeffrey Rosen explores the clashing visions of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson about how to balance liberty and power, a debate that continues to define—and divide—our country.
Jefferson championed states’ rights and individual liberties, while Hamilton pushed for a strong Federal government and a powerful executive. This ongoing tug-of-war has shaped pivotal moments in American history, including Abraham Lincoln’s fight against slavery and southern secession, the expansion of federal power under Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal, and Ronald Reagan’s and Donald Trump’s conservative push to shrink the size of the federal government. The Pursuit of Liberty is a compelling history of the opposing forces that have shaped our country since its founding, and our ongoing struggle to balance liberty and power.
The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle over Power in America
Address
The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle over Power in America345 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
