10 Best Political Rivalries in American History

A healthy democracy is fraught with political rivalries. Some of our nation's brightest minds have stood on opposite sides of the aisle, verbally sparring with each as they promote their ideologies. The best debates serve to educate the public, enabling it to determine which policies benefit the country the most. On the other hand, rivalries can emerge from petty personal spats and elevate to irrational levels, as evidenced, of course, by the infamous duel between Burr and Hamilton. The following are the 10 best rivalries in American history — the importance of each one varies, but all of them were heavyweight bouts.

1. President Thomas Jefferson vs. Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton

   As debate between the Federalists and Antifederalists intensified during America's early years, Hamilton and Jefferson were present to lead each side. Most people are familiar with their differences — Hamilton advocated a strong central government and Jefferson advocated decentralization with only a strong government when it came to foreign relations. Jefferson ardently opposed Hamilton's fiscal views, particularly his effort to establish a national bank, as it wasn't allowed by the Constitution. The conflict eventually contributed to Jefferson's resignation as Secretary of State in 1793. When he became president in 1801, Aaron Burr, another enemy of Hamilton's, became his vice president.
   

2. Vice President Aaron Burr vs. former Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton

   The longstanding feud between Burr and Hamilton couldn't have been settled in any other way. Not only did they disagree politically, but they despised each other personally. Hamilton, still depressed about the death of his son Philip in a duel, likely felt as though he had little to lose, and Burr was bitter over Hamilton's attack on his character in the papers. The duel occurred with two shots, one hitting and mortally wounding Hamilton. Burr's political career would later be damaged beyond repair when treason charges were brought against him for attempting to establish an independent republic consisting of parts of Louisiana and Mexico.
   

3. Congressman Preston Brooks vs. Senator Charles Sumner

   When tensions between political adversaries reach a boiling point these days, we expect a couple of clichéd insults and perhaps a personal attack, the latter of which is exactly what Sumner, an abolitionist, did to his colleague South Carolina Senator Andrew P. Butler in 1856 as the ongoing fight over slavery in Kansas expanded. Butler's cousin, Brooks, volunteered to defend the man's honor, entering the Senate chamber, beating Sumner with a cane. Sumner suffered serious injuries, as his legs were pinned under his desk, preventing him from avoiding Brooks' wrath. Sumner survived, but it took three years for him to recover and return to the Senate.
   

4. Former Congressman Abraham Lincoln vs. Incumbent Senator Stephen Douglas

   Two brilliant political minds and skilled speechmakers, the Lincoln vs. Douglas debates of 1858 remain the stuff of legends. Although the two politicians were merely vying over an Illinois Senate seat, they discussed the era's most pressing issues, such as slavery and the preservation of the Union. Lincoln promoted equality and opposed the concentration of power possessed by slave owners, while Douglass advocated giving settlers the right to determine if slavery is right or wrong. Douglass eventually retained his seat, but Lincoln's newfound popularity enabled him to win the Republican presidential nomination in 1860.Continued