1. First Political Party System- The Adams Adm. 1797-1801
By J.A.SACCO

2. The First political Party System
Federalists
Democratic-Republicans
Led by Washington/Hamilton
Bankers/merchants/church leaders
NE/business centers
Loose construction of constitution
Strong central government
Rich/educated lead nation
Business/trade, imports &tariffs
Pro- British
Gov’t aim to safeguard property/keep law and order
Based on Hobbes
Led by Jefferson/Madison
Farmers/farm hands-dream of an agrarian nation
South/West
Strict construction of Constitution
Power derived from the states
Agrarian America-rich greedy
Land/planters important
Pro-French
Gov’t should allow all to take part/aim is to protect liberty
Based on Locke

3. The Election of 1796
Political parties would play a role in elections from this point on in American politics.
Federalists
Democratic-Republicans
John Adams
Thomas Pinckney
Thomas Jefferson
Aaron Burr

4. The Election of 1796 Who wins the election? Why?
Adams wins general election, but electoral vote needs to be cast. Hamilton
dislikes Adams, has SC to withhold votes from Adams. This will give Pinckney
election. New England hears of this and withholds from Pinckney.
A mistake is made. Adams becomes President but Jefferson Vice-President.

5. The Adams Adm
Why was the Adams presidency a disaster from the start?
Adams favored strong government/people moving away from this
Fill the shoes of Washington
Jefferson from opposing party
Federalist Part splitting- “High Federalists” led by Hamilton. Hamilton challenges Adams’ authority.
Foreign affairs too much of a challenge
Passes Alien and Sedition Acts

6. The XYZ AFFAIR Why did France view the United States as anti-French?
Federalists were pro-British
Jay Treaty
Violate Treaty of 1778
French begin to seize U.S. cargo bound for British ports. French
Refuse to receive American ambassador. Treaty needed to prevent
War with France.

7. Prevent war with France!
The XYZ AFFAIR
Prevent war with France!
John Marshall
Elbridge Gerry
Charles Pinckney

8. The XYZ AFFAIR French demands alienate the U.S.
France demand that Adams apologize for anti-French remarks
French Foreign Minister Tallyrand send three low level diplomats to negotiate with the U.S. names not given
French demand $240,000 just to talk
Requested $12 million as a loan to France
Ambassadors return to U.S.. Americans
insulted. Becomes known as the
“XYZ Affair”.

9. The Quasi-War with France
Adams creates Navy Dept.
Fortify harbors
Build warships
Strengthen Army
Fight an unofficial war with France in the Caribbean

10. Trouble in the Federalist Party
High Federalists, led by Hamilton, use the XYZ Affair and anti-French feeling to weaken Democratic-Republican Party and end opposition. Adams passes the Alien and Sedition Act.

11. The Alien and Sedition Acts
Goal ?
Protect the nation from foreign influence.
Hurt Dem-Rep. by controlling immigration.
Naturalization Act-5-14 years.
Alien Act- President given power to imprison/deport aliens considered dangerous to American security.
Sedition Act- permit arrest of U.S. citizens who oppose or criticizes Pres./gov’t.

12. Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
What would be your response to the Alien and Sedition Acts?
Virginia Resolution- (Interposition)- Since states gave the
power to the federal gov’t, which was an agreement of
all the states (compact theory of union), the states can
intervene between themselves and the federal government.
Kentucky Resolution-(nullification)- since states created
the federal, they can declare a federal law unconstitutional

13. RaTE THE PRESIDENT
John Adams