Transcript John Adams Presidency

John Adams
2nd President of the United States
Key Terms
political parties: groups that help elect people and
shape policies
Federalists: strong federal government; party founded
by Alexander Hamilton
Democratic-Republicans: limited federal
government; party founded by Thomas Jefferson
The Election of 1796
First time more than one
candidate runs for
president
Rivalry between two
political parties
dominates the election
Adams and Pinkney chosen
as Federalist candidates
Jefferson and Aaron Burr
chosen as DemocraticRepublican candidates
Results:
XYZ Affair
President Adams wanted to
improve relations with France
Sent 3 agents to Paris to
negotiate a treaty to protect
US shipping
French Foreign Minister
refuses to meet with them
3 French agents (X,Y,Z)
demand $250,000 and a
$12million loan
US agents refuse all demands
and go home
Alien and Sedition
Acts
Federalist controlled
Congress passes 4 laws
Controversial
because...intended to
protect the United
States...
...but, was a hidden
attempt to crush
opposition to war
Alien Act
Alien Act allows the
president to imprison
or kick out any
foreigners he
thought were
dangerous
Alien Act makes
immigrants wait 14
years (was 5) to
become a citizen
Sedition Act
Sedition Act forbids
anyone to publish or
voice criticism of the
federal government
Sedition Act cancels
free speech and
freedom of the press
Kentucky and Virginia
Resolutions
Argue that Alien & Sedition Acts are unconstitutional
Federal government cannot interfere with state gov’t
Written by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison
Jefferson & Madison oppose Congress
However, Alien & Sedition Acts allowed to expire
Resolutions make clear that states CAN challenge
federal government