Transcript John Adams
John Adams nd 2 1797 – 1801 Federalist Party Vice Presidents: Thomas Jefferson (Democratic Republican) John Adams 1. John Adams died on July 4th 1. TRUE! This day was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence for which Adams was largely responsible 2. John Adams had 9 kids 1. MYTH! He had 6 3. Abigail and John wrote hundreds of letters to each other during their marriage 1. TRUE! They wrote letters to each other while he was away serving the country and he often consulted her opinion on the most serious of issues. Personal Life • 1735-1826 • Family – – Wife Abigail Adams “Remember the Ladies” – Four children including John Quincy Adams who became the 6th president. • Career – Lawyer and Diplomat Election of 1796 Candidates DEMOCRATIC-REPUBLICAN FEDERALIST John Adams Thomas Jefferson Received 71 Received 68 electoral college electoral votes college votes The Constitution stated that whichever candidate received the most electoral votes became the PRESIDENT and the runner-up became the VICE-PRESIDENT The country had a FEDERALIST President and a DEMOCRATIC-REPUBLICAN Vice President Significant Events Important Events Election of 1800 In the election of 1800, the Republican candidates were Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr, the Federalist was John Adams. There were not separate ballots for President and Vice President though. When all of the electoral votes were counted, it was a tie between Jefferson and Burr. In case of a tie, the decision goes to the House of Representatives. After four days, the House chose Jefferson as President and Burr as Vice President. This incident lead to the passage of the 12th Amendment, which says that the electors must vote for the President and Vice President separately. Since then, power has transferred peacefully during each election. The Federalist party began to fade away, and lost much of its power after its leader, Alexander Hamilton, was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr. What kind of problems might occur with a Federalist president and a Democratic Republican vice-president? Social & Domestic Economic Policies Alien and Sedition Act • ALIEN ACT – Immigrants had to wait 14 years to become citizens (previously 5) – Immigrants could be expelled for making trouble – Kept immigrants from voting (immigrants typically supported Democratic Republicans) • SEDITION ACT – People could be fined or jailed for criticizing elected officials – Violated 1st Amendment – Sedition – activities aimed at weakening established government 1. Why was the government keeping close watch on immigrants? 2. What amendment in the Bill of Rights allows people to criticize our government? 4. Which Amendments did Adams violate? What was one positive thing Adams prevented in the XYZ affair? 5. What was his political party? 8. Which of the following is a quote of a Federalist? - A. “I’m for the little guy.” B. “I believe in a strict interpretation of the Constitution.” C. “I am a supporter of the National Bank.” D. “I feel that the rich and educated and Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions of 1798 and 1799 • Written by Madison and Jefferson • Declared the Alien and Sedition Act Unconstitutional • Declared that states had the right to nullify or cancel federal law within a state. • Showed that Americans feared strong central government that could interfere with their rights • This issue over STATE’S RIGHTS would continue until the Civil War. 3 Why did some states feel they should have more power than the central government? Why would this cause problems? PROBLEMS WITH FRANCE Federalists supported Britain over France in a European conflict. French Privateers start to impress American sailors. XYZ Affair • To prevent war with France, Adams sent delegates to negotiate with them. • The French minister refused to meet with the delegates. • The French diplomats XYZ offered to stop and Bribed Americans • U.S. answered by saying “Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute.” (NO) UNDECLARED WAR WITH FRANCE • Americans were angry over the XYZ Affair. • U.S. remained neutral, but Congress strengthen armed forces. • The U.S. began to seize French ships. RESULTS • Federalists (led by Hamilton) wanted Adam’s administration to declare war with France, ADAMS REFUSED – the refusal caused the Federalist Party to split in half • In 1800, French sign a treaty promising peace.