The John Adams Administration
Adams & Jefferson
Cabinet – Clashing Views Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury Democratic- Republicans Federalists
The First Two-Party System Federalists Democratic-Republicans Issue Government: State or national? Interpretation of the Constitution: Strict or Loose? Tariffs, Banks & Business or farming? Banks: National or State? Defense: Standing Army or Militias? Foreign Policy: Support Britain or Support France? Regions of Support: N, S, E, W? Nullification More important: Order or Liberty? Party Leaders & Presidents Questions 1)Why does the Electoral College encourage a two- party system rather than a multiparty system? 2)Explain how Thomas Jefferson’s election in the “revolution” of 1800 changed the way the federal (national) government operated. NationalState
Two Parties
Election of 1796
A New President John Adams Boston Patriot Federalist
Vice President Thomas Jefferson Virginian Republican (Democratic- Republican Became VP because he received second- most votes At odds with Adams
XYZ Affair
The XYZ Affair Jay Treaty – An alliance with Britain? French seize 300 American ships in French harbors Adams sends negotiators to Paris to meet with “X, Y and Z” French demand $250,000 payment and $10 million loan "Millions for defense, sir, but not one cent for tribute!“ Link
The Quasi War Piracy, small naval battles Convention of 1800 – ends the Quasi War, but terminates US alliance with France against Britain U.S. is now neutral, following Washington’s farewell advice
Alien & Sedition Acts
Four Bills Naturalization Act Alien Friends Act Alien Enemies Act Sedition Act
Naturalization Acts Notice time no notice required 3 years5 years Residence period 2 years5 years14 years Target: potential English & Irish immigrants who would likely vote for the Jeffersonian Republicans
Alien Friends Act 1798 Arrest and deportation of “dangerous” aliens
Alien Enemies Act 1798 Arrest and deportation of resident aliens whose home countries were at war with United States
Sedition Act Outlawed criticism of government officials unless the claims could be proven
First Nullification Crisis
Nullification Jefferson and many states oppose the Alien & Sedition Acts Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions call the act “null and void” States vs. federal government: who wins?... …principle remained untested because Adams lost next election to Jefferson
John Marshall Supreme Court Believed that courts, not states, should interpret and declare laws unconstitutional
Election of 1800
Mudslinging –Obama attack adObama attack ad –Romney attack adRomney attack ad –Youtube videoYoutube video
Sally Hemings Controversy
Election of 1800
Jefferson wins “Revolution of 1800”… peaceful transfer of power
A Federalist Judiciary?
John Marshall Strong Federalist Appointed to Supreme Court by John Adams Expanded power of federal government and judicial branch
“Midnight Judges” “Lame duck” Federalist Congress –Judiciary Act of 1801 –Adams appointed judges in the last days of presidency –Attempt to entrench Federalists in judicial branch Jefferson refused to deliver commissions