FEDERALISTS IN CHARGE
Two terms in office Served a symbol of national unity Critics started to attack his foreign policy Washington warned that differences could weaken nation Foreign Policy – remain neutral!
Americans deeply divided on how country should be run – economic policy! JEFFERSON & MADISON – support French Revolution HAMILTON – strong central government & favored British trade
DEMOCRATIC-REPUBLICAN PARTY – Jefferson & Madison – farmers & workers support FEDERALIST PARTY – Hamilton & Adams – merchants & manufacturers support
1796 – 1 st US election for US President Federalists’ ran John Adams Democratic-Republicans ran Jefferson Electoral College votes – 71 to 68 Runner up is VP Adams president – his rival Jefferson is VP
Britain & France at war French seizing and looting US ships (300) Federalists call for war with France Adams sent Pinckney, Gerry & Marshall to Paris to discuss Ignored for weeks – then 3 French agents – referred to as X,Y,Z – demanded a bribe ▪ XYZ AFFAIR
Congress angered at the treatment! 1798 Congress cancelled treaties with France Allowed US ships to seize French vessels Congress provide $$ to expand military
Adams was popular with Federalists for response to French But Democratic-Republican newspapers and new immigrants (aliens if not yet citizens) were sympathetic to French and critical of Adams
Alien & Sedition Acts passed by Congress in 1798– increased waiting period from 5 to 14 years Power to arrest/deport suspicious aliens Outlawed sedition – stirring up rebellion against government, especially in wartime Freedom of speech & press denied
State’s Rights – states have certain rights the federal government can’t overrule Set a precedent for future conflict between state & national government NULLIFICATION – state can cancel any Congress act considered UNConstitutional! Jefferson – Kentucky Resolution Madison – Virginia Resolution
The Acts not overturned during Adam’s presidency BUT When Democratic-Republicans gained control of Congress in next election they reversed acts/let expire The Acts posed danger to CHECKS & BALANCES guaranteed by Constitution!
Convention of 1800 SIGNED – agreement to stop all naval attacks! Adams lost the next election to Jefferson Washington – 2 terms Adams – 1 term Jefferson – 2 terms