

Alexander Hamilton vs James Madison on the 12 Axes
Alexander Hamilton and James Madison worked together on The Federalist Papers, then split over Hamilton's national bank and the reach of federal power. Both lean Self-reliant on Welfare, but Hamilton leans Central and toward a Strong leader, while Madison sits at the middle on Structure and leans Democratic.
- Authority
Alexander Hamilton leans Strong leader (+35), James Madison leans Democratic (-55): 90 points apart.
- Security
Alexander Hamilton leans Order (+45), James Madison leans Liberty (-40): 85 points apart.
- Religion
Alexander Hamilton leans Religious (+20), James Madison leans Secular (-60): 80 points apart.
- Structure
Alexander Hamilton leans Central (+75), James Madison leans centre (0): 75 points apart.
- Ownership
Both lean Private: +40 and +40.
- Morality
Both lean Traditional: +40 and +35.
- Foreign policy
Both lean Strength: +30 and +25.
- Welfare
Both lean Self-reliant: +50 and +40.
All 12 axes, side by side
| Axis | Alexander Hamilton | James Madison | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| OwnershipPublic to Private | +40 | +40 | 0 |
| MarketsPlanned to Free | -5 | +15 | 20 |
| WelfareShared to Self-reliant | +50 | +40 | 10 |
| AuthorityDemocratic to Strong leader | +35 | -55 | 90 |
| SecurityLiberty to Order | +45 | -40 | 85 |
| StructureLocal to Central | +75 | 0 | 75 |
| MoralityProgressive to Traditional | +40 | +35 | 5 |
| ReligionSecular to Religious | +20 | -60 | 80 |
| TechnologyEmbrace to Caution | -40 | No record | - |
| CultureMulticultural to National identity | No record | No record | - |
| TradeGlobal to Protected | +35 | +15 | 20 |
| Foreign policyCooperation to Strength | +30 | +25 | 5 |
Scores run from -100 to +100 and come from each profile's documented positions. Closeness compares only the axes both have on record. It measures similar positions, not endorsement. How profiles work
Closer to Alexander Hamilton or James Madison?
Take the 12 Axes test and see your match with both, axis by axis.
Take the testQuestions
How similar are Alexander Hamilton and James Madison?
On the 10 axes where both have a documented position, their profiles are 73% close on the 12 Axes scale. They differ most on Authority, Security, Religion, Structure.
Who is more economically left-wing, Alexander Hamilton or James Madison?
Alexander Hamilton sits further toward the collective end of the Economy family (ownership, markets and welfare), by 3 points on average.
Who favours more personal liberty, Alexander Hamilton or James Madison?
On the State family (authority, security and structure), James Madison leans further toward liberty and checks on power, by 83 points on average.
