Which of the following was a belief associated with Alexander Hamilton?

• A. He was the first Secretary of the Treasury.
• B. He advocated a weak national government.
• C. He opposed the creation of a national bank.
• D. He was supported by farmers in the South.

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how Hamilton shaped the new U.S. government through his role and policy views. Alexander Hamilton is best remembered for pushing a strong central government and an ambitious national economy, including the creation of a national bank and federal assumption of state debts. The statement that identifies him as the first Secretary of the Treasury is the best choice because it reflects a real position he held that underpinned his influence on federal economic policy and the shape of the early government. This role is the anchor for understanding his beliefs in a centralized financial system and robust national authority. The other options contradict what Hamilton stood for: he did not advocate a weak national government, he did support the creation of a national bank, and his political base was not primarily the farmers of the South.