1. John Adam’s Presidency
Election of 1796– The beginning of political parties
Two parties:
1.) Federalist Party
a) Strong federal government.
b) Promote industry and trade.
c) Alexander Hamilton helped found the party
d) Party of the North.
e) Choose John Adams as candidate for President.
2.) Democratic-Republican Party
a) Limit the power of the federal government.
b) Popular in the South and western frontier.
c) Thomas Jefferson and James Madison found party.
d) Choose Thomas Jefferson as candidate for President.

2. XYZ Affair
1.) French minister requested a bribe of $250,000 before discussing the possibility of a treaty. French agents were identified as “X,Y, and Z before Congress
2.) Federalists in Congress called for war against France.
3.) Adams wanted to expand the Navy to 30 ships and create for the first time a standing army.
4.) Adams opposed a war with France, even though French and American ships were fighting in the Caribbean. As did the British, the French are now attacking cargo ships.
5.) Finally a treaty was signed in 1800, but Adam’s reputation suffered from attacks from both the Federalists, and Democratic-Republicans and lost his bid for re-election.

3. Alien/Sedition Acts and the Kentucky/Virginia Resolutions
1.) Because of Federalist sympathy to the French cause, and his wish to create a standing army and increase the navy, Adams was attacked by the Democrat-Republican party members.
2.) Federalists passed the Alien/Sedition Acts as a way to control these attacks. The Sedition Acts made is illegal to “write, print, utter or publish” anything against the government. The Alien Act allowed the president to have foreign residents removed from the United States.
3.) Madison and Jefferson counted with the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions stating that the Alien/Sedition Acts were unconstitutional. What argument did they use? What is this an example of?
4) Why did the Supreme Court not declare these acts unconstitutional? What amendment do they violate?

4. Election of 1800
1.) Opponents: Jefferson and Adams. First election that featured political parties. Both men are attacked and criticized for various positions.
2.) Jefferson and Arron Burr tied in Electoral Votes. Who decides which person will be president in a tie, even today? 12th Amendment passed Congress. Why?
3.) Jefferson becomes president as Hamilton works behind the scenes to have him elected even though Hamilton does not trust him.
4.) Federalist lost power due to the passage of the Alien/Sedition acts.