The American Nation Section 1: Washington Takes Office Section 2: Creating a Foreign Policy Section 3: Political Parties Emerge Section 4: The Second President Chapter 9: Launching the New Government, 1789–1800

Chapter 9, Section 4 The Second President How did John Adams handle the conflict with France?

John Adams and the Conflict With France France objected to Jay’s Treaty. The French said it favored Britain. French ships began to seize American ships. Adams sent diplomats to Paris to discuss the rights of neutral nations. The French foreign minister sent three agents to offer the Americans a deal. The agents asked for a $250,000 bribe and a $10 million loan to France before they would talk. Adams told Congress. Because he called the French agents X, Y, and Z, the incident became known as the XYZ Affair. The country would not pay the bribe, but Adams refused to ask Congress to declare war on France. Instead, Adams strengthened the navy by building frigates, fast- sailing ships with many guns. Chapter 9, Section 4

The Second President Why did the Federalist party split?

The Federalist Party Splits Hamilton and his Federalist supporters wanted a war with France. War with France would weaken the Republican party. War would force the United States to build up its military forces. This would increase federal power. Adams and his Federalist supporters wanted to avoid war with France. Adams wanted to keep the country out of European affairs. He sent American diplomats to France. The new French leader agreed to stop seizing American ships.

Chapter 9, Section 4 The Second President How did the Alien and Sedition acts raise the issue of the rights of states?

The Alien and Sedition Acts and States’ Rights Alien Act The President could expel any alien thought to be dangerous to the country. The number of years immigrants had to wait to become citizens was raised from 5 to 14. During the crisis with France, Federalists passed the Alien and Sedition acts. Chapter 9, Section 4

Sedition Act Sedition means stirring up rebellion against a government. Under this law, citizens could be fined or jailed for criticizing the government or its officials.

Kentucky and Virginia resolutions These resolutions claimed that each state “has an equal right to judge for itself” whether a law is constitutional. If a state decides a law is unconstitutional, the state can nullify that law within its borders. These resolutions raised the issue of states’ rights. Does the federal government have only those powers listed in the Constitution? If so, the states possess all other powers. Jefferson and the Republicans opposed the Alien and Sedition acts. Jefferson argued that states had the right to nullify, or cancel, a law passed by the federal government. Kentucky and Virginia passed resolutions supporting Jefferson’s view.

Chapter 9, Section 4 The Second President What role did Congress play in the election of 1800?

Congress and the Election of 1800 Republicans backed Thomas Jefferson for President and Aaron Burr for Vice President. Federalists supported John Adams. Republicans won the popular vote.

In the electoral college, Jefferson and Adams each received 73 votes. The election went to the House of Representatives to decide. After four days and 36 votes, the House chose Jefferson as President and Burr as Vice President.

Section 4 Assessment Federalists angered the Republicans when they passed the Alien and Sedition acts, which said that a)American diplomats could not pay bribes to foreign agents. b)foreigners could never become citizens. c)under certain circumstances, citizens could rebel against the government. d)citizens could be jailed for criticizing the government or its officials. The issue of states’ rights raises questions about a)whether the federal government should have a strong military force. b)the President’s power to expel aliens. c)whether Kentucky and Virginia had the right to pass resolutions. d)which powers belong to the federal government and which belong to the states. Chapter 9, Section 4

Section 4 Assessment Federalists angered the Republicans when they passed the Alien and Sedition acts, which said that a)American diplomats could not pay bribes to foreign agents. b)foreigners could never become citizens. c)under certain circumstances, citizens could rebel against the government. d)citizens could be jailed for criticizing the government or its officials. The issue of states’ rights raises questions about a)whether the federal government should have a strong military force. b)the President’s power to expel aliens. c)whether Kentucky and Virginia had the right to pass resolutions. d)which powers belong to the federal government and which belong to the states. Chapter 9, Section 4