Why were Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton political opponents?

They had similar ideas about the rights of the states and both men wanted credit.

They had different ideas about the ultimate power of the federal government.

They had been opponents in the Continental Army and never made peace.

Previous elections in Virginia had soured their relationship.

The correct answer is the second statement: They had different ideas about the ultimate power of the federal government.

Explanation:

Thomas Jefferson believed that the most important instance of the realization of democracy was the state. He thought that the US should develop in a way that people could have simple lives habiting farms and growing food for living with little surplus production. Because of this communal view is that the state was so politically important for him.

Alexander Hamilton believed almost on the contrary. He wanted the US to invest in international trade and to take part in the global trade system. He wanted the country to be able to sell not only food but also manufactured goods. Because of this view, he stood for a strong national government that could organize the country and put it in this economic course.