Controversy Within the Cabinet
Hamilton’s plan caused a great deal of controversy, especially among Washington’s Cabinet. Many did not like the fact that his plan called for additional taxes to generate revenue. One such opponent was Jefferson. Part of the problem stemmed from their interpretations of the Constitution. Jefferson took a very literal approach, while Hamilton tended to not be so stringent. Jefferson was opposed to the government’s establishment of the bank. He felt that such matters did not fall within the government’s realm.
Unfortunately for Jefferson, President Washington tended to favor Hamilton’s views, which caused Jefferson to criticize Washington more. As a result, Jefferson resigned from Washington’s Cabinet in 1793, only one year after Washington had been elected to a second term. A presidential term consists of four years. Since Washington was re-elected, he would serve as president of the nation for eight years, or two terms.