Terrorism and U.S. National Security

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Table of Contents

Thomas Jefferson role in drafting national security policies
Contribution of Alexander Hamilton on national policies
Differences between the two presidential administrations on national security
Conclusion
Bibliography

Terrorism is an act whereby an individual or any form of organization uses force or intimidation threats for political purposes. Terrorism poses a great danger to any countrys security and it is the responsibility of any government to provide security to its citizens. Security is of paramount importance if a country is to have a peaceful and harmonious economic development.

Terrorism can take up various forms, which according to the united states task force on disorders and terrorism include the following: state terrorism, limited political terrorism, civil disorder, political terrorism, quasi terrorism and non-political terrorism. However, these are not the only forms of terrorism. Many scholars have been able to come up with different forms of terrorism.

Security in any country will guarantee foreign investors as well as local investors security for their property hence, leading to increase in investment. Terrorism has become a world security threat and dealing with it has also proved to be a hectic and daunting task. Terrorism is a bad act and demeans the fundamental right of human beings to life. Terrorism can be either domestic terrorism or coming from foreign countries. The United States has been one of the most targeted countries by terrorists and various leaders have had various mechanisms put in place to counteract the terrorists activities and those supporting terrorists activities.

This paper will critically analyze Jefferson verses Hamiltonian forms of national security and the impact on modern American and the protection from terrorism.

Thomas Jefferson role in drafting national security policies

Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 and died on July 4, 1826 at the age of 83 years. He studied law at the William and Mary College. He was the third president of the United States of America in the period between 1801 and 1809. Thomas Jefferson was the author of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom in the year 1777 as well as the author of the famous United States Declaration of independence in the year 1776. He succeeded Patrick Henry as the governor of California in the year 1779. In 1819, Thomas Jefferson is credited with the founding of the University of Virginia in the year 1810.

Before being elected as the third president of the United States of America, Jefferson had held some key positions in the government. He represented the Virginia state while serving in the continental congress. He later became the governor of the Virginia state before becoming the United States minister to France. Thomas Jefferson was the first United States secretary of states in the year 1790 1793. During his tenure as the president of the United States of America, He set forth to explore the west which led him to acquiring the Louisiana Territory form France in the year 1803. Thomas Jefferson allowed slavery and slave trade in the Louisiana Territory which later was to be a source of a major crisis. Thomas Jefferson served as the president of the United States of America for two terms before retiring. Jefferson is largely remembered through his policies and the Jeffersonian democracy, which he always advocated for.

During Jefferson tenure, the United States was in constant wrangles with Britain. Jefferson disliked Britain and had less confidence in Britain, stating it as a major threat to the United States of America. With his hated of other nations especially those nations from the west, he imposed stringent laws that disassociated America from doing trade with those countries. This had a detrimental and a retrogressive impact on the economy of the United States.

Jefferson is highly credited with the advent of Jefferson democracy, which was based on various values that had an impact on the United States National security. Initially, Jefferson ideologies were perceived to be of paramount impact but later on as some challenges emerged; they were seen as obsolete and detrimental to the countries security. For example, in 1812, the United States was faced with a problem of fighting the 1812 war with a weak government and a defense unit that was not able and was not willing to travel outside their country. Jefferson embargo on imports and exports created a weak economy that could not sustain itself and as a result, the government took some bonds during the 1812 war to fund the war.

Jefferson values and policies centered on the citizens of the United States of America. He believed in republicanism and that citizens had a duty to help the state resist aristocratic forms of governance. He believed that the bill of rights was the supreme law to be followed and that the constitution was just a smoke screen to perpetuate the British rule of governance. He argued that the central government was no sufficient and competent to be left with the noble duty of protecting the citizens and the security of the nation. Jefferson proposed that the citizens of America were supposed be given the freedom of speech and the press be given its freedom. In so doing, the country would achieve a state of democracy and freedom, which is a fundamental ingredient towards peace and stability.

Jefferson proposed that America has a duty of spreading the Empire of liberty to the rest of the world and avoid the entangling alliances. This ideology was not well received by other nations. It was perceived as an indirect rule by the United States simply because they were advancing tier ideologies and dogmas worldwide. This move by Jefferson could be seen as a loop hole for advancing terrorists attacks. Later, nations that did not agree to the concept of the Empire of liberty would later plan and advance terrorists attacks to the United States of America.

Jefferson also believed that a standing and permanent army and navy were to be avoided simply because they were dangerous in advancing wars with the other nations. The militia was adequate and competent enough to protect the nation. This Jefferson notion was disapproved in 1812 when the militia group was unwilling to travel outside their country and fight Britain. This was a security policy that compromised the attack of the United States by terrorists. For any nation to be secure, its defense forces must be ready to protect the country and be prepared. This preparedness involves both financial and material preparedness which Jefferson saw as being of less importance.

Jefferson advocated for a weak federal government and strong local government, since the local government would govern the local citizens in a manner that could be embraced by the locals. He argued that the federal government would create a powerful aristocratic rule in the United States. Jefferson largely disagreed with the federalists who were advocating for a federal form of government. This disagreement could have had an impact on the ratification of the constitution since Jefferson had some people who were supporting the Jefferson ideologies. Later, Jefferson adopted the federalists ideas and eventually accepted and supported the ratification of the constitution.

This move by Jefferson was largely criticized by his supporters who termed him as an inconsistent leader who could not firmly stick to his principles. But this move by Thomas Jefferson had an impact on the adoption of the national security policies proposed by the federalists like Alexander Hamilton. The criticism was therefore not well grounded. The support of the constitution by Thomas Jefferson meant that the United States was going to adopt the security policies as proposed by Alexander Hamilton.

Jefferson also believed in free education to all American citizens. He knew the value of education and what impact it was going to have on the implementation and adoption national policies. Literacy among the citizens would guarantee sound judgment. Where there is lack of literacy, judgment is likely to be compromised. As a result, many American people were enlightened and could now on their own make sound judgments on any issues presented to them that affected national policy. This was later reflected in the way the constitution was ratified and the manner the first amendment was received by the citizens.

Contribution of Alexander Hamilton on national policies

Alexander Hamilton was born in January 11, 1755 and died in July 12, 1804. He was an economist, soldier and a political analyst. He served in various departments in the United States government. He was the first united of states secretary of the treasury during his tenure as the secretary of state. Hamilton is credited with formulating the economic policies of the George Washington administration. Hamilton is also credited with creating strong trade ties with the Britain and the establishment of a tariff system and a banking system. Hamilton was a federalist and through his hard work, he was able to create a platform that enabled the United States gain its financial as well as democracy.

Alexander Hamilton was one of the delegates that drafted the United States constitution. In drafting the constitution, Hamilton proposed a system of governance where power was concentrated at the federal government while less power is invested in the states. Through his persuasive and impressive essays and speeches, Hamilton pushed for the ratification of the constitution, which faced with some opposition from the anti- federalists. It was however, ratified.

Alexander Hamilton knew that the future of the United States largely depended on industry and business. In order for the United States government to achieve this, it had to have a powerful economic system. But, at that time, the economy of the United States was in a mess. After the British rule, the United States had of problems to face. First, it was faced with a lot of debts to pay yet they had no means of revenue generating. The government did not have funds to start and fund some major projects as well as money to fund the defense. Hamilton later on introduced the taxation policy or measure which could help the government pay off some of the war bonds.

In so doing, Alexander Hamilton ensured that the United States gained the economic supremacy and dependence it needed. Hamilton tax policies could be seen as a major boost in dealing with terrorism indirectly. Hamilton had helped the United States develop a sound monetary policy system. With economic stability, the United States invested more in industries, military investments which later guaranteed security to the nation.

In drafting the constitution, Hamilton proposed an independent judicial system that is void of the other three governments. He was of the idea that the judiciary was the vulnerable and the dangerous arm of the government since it did not handle the sword or control the purse. He argued that for a stable and secure government, the judiciary should be independent and the appointment of the judicial officers should be void of arbitrary removal and monetary threats. This will eventually create judicial firmness and independence which will eventually ensure impartial administration of laws by the judicial system. Hamilton proposed that an independent judicial system will ensure public security and justice.

Hamilton proposed judicial review in most of the national court in order to establish judicial independence. For any act of parliament to be put into effect, it had to conform to the supreme law which was the constitution. The judiciary is the arm of the government mandated to implement and interpret the supreme law, hence the stress on judicial importance. Hamilton argued that the role of the judiciary was to guard and protects the constitution. He also argued and developed a model that explained how the courts have a role in fighting against terrorism.

Hamilton argued that for peace to prevail in the United States of America, the citizens were to be free from any form of government tyranny. The only way to achieve this was through the checks and balances between the three arms of the government. He further stressed the need of having an independent judiciary which was the arm mandated with protecting the constitution. Hamilton based his arguments on the fact that the loyal American Citizens who had remained needed to be safe from any form of terrorists attack from outside and any oppression from the government.

Hamilton was of the opinion that the so powerful national government which was referred to as the congress if not well checked and given some power restriction then, it will serve as the source of tyranny to the citizens as well as promote terrorist activities. In his federalist papers, Hamilton basically was concerned with how the judiciary would function independently and how the rule of the law which was the constitution would maintain and restrict the congress from misusing its powers. The congress also had the power to declare war and also notify other countries on the same. Hamilton argued that if this power is not controlled, the congress will misuse the power and declare war where war is not due. In so doing, the country would be in a state of insecurity due to imminent attacks from other foreign countries.

The first act of terrorism in the United States occurred in the year 1622, when the Powtahan Americans attacked the Jamestown, killing almost 33% of the inhabitants. Terrorism does not only originate from foreign countries but also it can originate from within the state. An example of organized terrorism group in the United States was the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), which started in 1867 with the aim of being non-violent social organization. It later deviated from its fundamental principles and turned into a violent group, intimidating and harassing white supporters of the republican and black voters. In drafting the national security policies, Hamilton noted that in order to stop these organized terrorist groups, there was a need to have an independent judiciary that will foster and administer justice to the citizens.

Hamilton contributed a lot to the implementation of national security policies and their implementation when the constitution was ratified, created a platform in the fight against terrorism as well as creating stability and peace within the United States of America. Hamilton stressed on the need to have unity and understanding among the various states. This eventually will guarantee peace and stability among the different states and hence ensure proper administration of justice. He saw the dangers that would be associated with states that are not united. Hamilton also proposed the restriction of the executive interference in the defense force. He was of the opinion that, if the executive was given the mandate to interfere with the operation of the military, then some presidents would misuse their powers, which will eventually put the country in a vulnerable state of war. He proposed that the powers of raising the army to be vested in the legislature which had to be a popular body in the representation of the people and not the executive.

Differences between the two presidential administrations on national security

The two presidential administrations had a lot of impact on the national security policies of the United States of America. Alexander Hamilton strategy towards national security was the democratic approach. On the other hand, Thomas Jefferson approach towards maintaining a secure policy approach was that of direct approach. Thomas Jefferson used power and an order to deal with issues that compromised the national security. This was more of autocratic approach to national security issues.

Alexander Hamilton and his federal supporters had the following contribution towards the democratic adoption of national policies. The federalists created the United States of America constitution that created a foundation of the current United States democracy and security policies. The federalists, under Alexander Hamilton, created and instituted the United States first financial house in order. They introduced the taxation system that helped the United States achieve the financial freedom they needed. Financial freedom is paramount if any country has to achieve global influence on security matters. These can be replicated in the current dealings of the United States of America approach towards fighting war on terrorists. For example, the war in Afghanistan was made possible because the country was financially stable hence; the federalists establishment of a financial house has helped the government over the years fight terrorism.

The federalists approach towards maintaining peace and stability was a democratic approach. The federalists resolved diplomatic issues with other countries like England, Spain and France. The federalists also resolved to postpone armed conflicts until that time when the nation was going to be stronger.

This federal approach to peace has been replicated by subsequent United States of America presidents. Presently, the United States has been able to employ diplomatic ties in its effort to fight terrorism and any other form of practices that can promote terrorism and piracy. For example, the British army and other nations helped the United States of America fight terrorist activities in the Middle East, like the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Under the federal system of administration, the federalists were being faced with the major problems of piracy in the Mediterranean region. At that point, the United States signed an agreement with the French government, such that the United States vessels were to be protected by the French government. Under Presidents Washington tenure, many of his administrators including him were of the opinion that the pirates be paid ransom instead of fighting them back. This move was largely opposed by Jefferson.

Alexander Hamiltons idea of creating a unified state had a large impact on the way domestic terrorism was dealt with in the United States. There was a reduction in organized groups of terrorism because of the idea that was proposed by Hamilton of creating a unified state. In this manner, there was peace among states and the various states did not see the need of involving in terrorists activities in order to advance their interests.

On the other hand, the Jefferson administration approach towards the national security policy was that of directly dealing with the elements that threatened national security. For example, in dealing with the piracy in the Mediterranean, he decided to directly fight the pirates and eventually succeeded in defeating some of them to some extent. Jefferson opposed the move to pay ransom to the pirates and at the same time, made and signed agreements with the countries that supported the United States fight against terrorism. This policy has always been replicated in the current dealing of the United States in fighting and defeating terrorism and terrorists activities.

The United States has always embraced and supported those countries that fight terrorist activities and at the same time cutting off ties with those countries that support terrorist activities. This is a vital step towards terrorism. There are many countries that fight terrorism in the world and US offer them support. At the same time, the US highly condemns those countries that support terrorism or engage in terrorism attacks.

Jefferson viewed terrorism not only as the attacks from external forces but also from internal forces within. This is due to probable conspiracy of people from within and from without the country. Terrorism could therefore spring from either internal or external sources. He argued that if federalists were to continue and impose their beliefs on the people of America, then it is going to create an autocratic form of government that will terrorize the citizens. He viewed a tyrannical government as a source of terrorism. He forgot that by imposing the Embargo on exports and imports, he too was terrorizing the citizens.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Jefferson and Hamilton policies have largely contributed to the current manner in which the United States fights terrorism. After the terrorist attacks in the United States, the United States declared a relentless fight against any form of terrorism activities¹⁵. The main aim of the national security is to destroy any terrorist activities within and outside the United States. As stipulated by Hamilton and Jefferson, self defense was the key towards having a peaceful nation. The current national security is based upon the same principles of fostering the self defense of the United States of America.

The national security policy stipulates that the United States of America will use its economic powers to help weak countries and fight terrorism. It also asserts that the United States will assert its legitimacy of the government to create strong partnerships with other nations. This idea originated from the federalists policies of Alexander Hamilton.

The national security policy also asserts that the fight against terrorism and any forms of terrorists activities is going to largely depend on the strength of the people of the United States. The policy also notes that the fight against terrorism is a fight for fundamental freedom of the people of the united states of the united of America. This idea was largely borrowed from the Jefferson principles and policies. Jefferson was of the opinion that the people of the United States of America had rights to freedom.

Both Jefferson and Hamilton contributed a lot towards the current United States national security policies. Hamilton is credited with the drafting of the constitution of the United States of America, which formed the basis for creating the national security policies. On the other hand, Jefferson ideas of creating a democratic government that respects the interests of the diverse state largely contributed to the reduction of domestic terrorism in the country. Also, Jefferson ideas and policies of directly fighting the terrorist formed a great basis in formulating the national security policy. For example, the United States will always pursue and finish all the terrorists groups that threaten the countries security. This idea was largely borrowed from the Jeffersonian democracy.

From the above illustrations, both Jefferson and Hamilton played a great role in drafting of the national security policy. The current United States security policy largely borrows from the Jeffersonian democracy and the Hamilton federalism. But, the Alexander Hamilton ideas seem to have carried the day because most of his ideas towards having a peaceful and democratic government were adopted into the constitution and various policies implemented.

Bibliography

Chernow, Ron. Alexander Hamilton. London: Penguin, 2004.

Harmon, Christopher. Terrorism today. London: Routledge, 2008.

Hayes, Kelly. The road to Monticello: the life and mind of Thomas Jefferson. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008.

Hoffman, Dustin. Inside terrorism. Columbia: Columbia university press, 2006.

Lodge, David. Alexander Hamilton. Montana: Kessinger Publishing, 2004. Harmon, White, Douglas. Terrorism and Homeland Security. Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2011.

Wright, Rob. One nation under debt: Hamilton, Jefferson, and the history of What we owe. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.

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