Money Matters

This passage explores how debt and taxes after the American Revolution caused divisions between Federalists and Anti-Federalists. Federalists, led by Hamilton, wanted a national bank, taxes on goods, and trust in a strong central government to manage debt. Anti-Federalists, led by Jefferson and Henry, feared too much federal power and wanted states to handle their own money. They also worried a national bank would favor the wealthy. A compromise led to the creation of a national bank and the continuation of the debate over government power.

Passages like this expand vocabulary with financial and political terms like “debt,” “taxes,” and “economy.” Students improve comprehension by connecting economic problems to political debates. They also practice identifying different perspectives and evaluating their reasoning. Critical thinking is enhanced by analyzing how financial concerns influenced government structure. Exposure to these complex ideas strengthens reading fluency and grammar knowledge.