John Adams 1796 - 1800 John Adams becoming President was the first peaceful transition of power. Why is this important? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqAt8A0W204
John Adams President 71 electoral votes Federalist
Thomas Jefferson Vice-President 68 electoral votes Republican
Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans (1798) Issue Federalists Democratic-Republicans Economy? Manufacturing Agrarian (farming) National Bank? Bank (helps manufacturing) No Bank (too much federal power) Interpret Constitution? Broadly (is it expressly forbidden?) Strictly (is it expressly permitted?) Balance of Power? National Authority States’ Rights Foreign Policy? Pro-British Pro-French
England & France still got beef France was seizing American ships Adams wants NEUTRALITY Sends ministers over to negotiate with French Foreign Minister – XYZ Affair “Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute” Quasi-War for next 2 years, Navy created
NEUTRALITY Following Washington’s lead… Adams continues the policy of Neutrality XYZ Affair
Adams Creates Controversy Tensions between Republicans & Federalists rose Adams saw this as a growing threat to the country – passed the Alien & Sedition Acts in 1798.
Summary of Alien Acts (1798) Naturalization Act To be eligible for citizenship, an alien must prove 14 years of residence within the United States (previously 5 years). Alien Act President may deport any alien he views as “dangerous to the peace and safety of the U.S.” No trial or evidence required. No defense. Alien Enemies Act President may, in case of war, deport aliens of an enemy country or impose severe restraints on them.
Sedition Act Read and Answer questions on back of sheet.
Summary of Sedition Act (1798) Illegal to conspire to oppose any measure or to impede the operation of any law of the United States. 2) Illegal for any person to write print or publish “any false, scandalous and malicious writing . . . . against the government of the United States, or either house of the Congress . . . or the President . . . with intent to defame or to bring them into contempt or disrepute; or to excite against them the hatred of the good people of the United States.
Major Opposition Kentucky & Virginia Resolutions Nullification – states had the right to nullify, or consider void, any act of Congress they deem unconstitutional. Eventually this dies out… but shows balance of power between states & federal gov’t is a hot issue – election of 1800
Connections http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX9HpsCVC9s What is the role of political dissent in the United States? In what ways is it protected? (Do you have a right to criticize the government? Are there limits to this right?)