John Adams and Early American Politics

Federalists believed human nature needed control.

John Adams spent less time in the capital compared to Washington.

Adams avoided war between the U.S., France, and Britain.

French actions that angered Americans and led political tensions.

Political conflict between two rival groups, with opposing views on government.

John Adams favored representative government (republicanism) over pure democracy.

Historians describe his presidency as 'great but not passable', highlighting both brilliance and a difficult personality.

He defended the British soldiers involved, a controversial stance.

He was a diplomat, representing the US in England, France, and Holland.

John Adams' personality was temperamental and at times challenging.

A diplomatic crisis between the US and France in the late 1790s.

A treaty causing French resentment towards the US.

French diplomats who demanded a bribe from US diplomats.

French demand for payment to negotiate with US diplomats.

The US refused to pay the bribe demanded by the French.

Laws targeting immigrants, making it harder to become citizens and potentially deporting them if the US is at war.

Criticizing the government was outlawed, violating the 1st Amendment's freedom of speech.

Increased the time immigrants had to wait for citizenship to 14 years after arrival in the US.

Gave the president power to detain or deport foreign enemies during war.

Protects freedom of speech and the right to criticize the government.

A series of laws passed by the Federalist-controlled Congress during the XYZ Affair. The Alien Acts made it harder for immigrants to become citizens and easier to deport them. The Sedition Act made it illegal to criticize the government.

The idea that states have the right to declare federal laws invalid within their borders. The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions argued for this principle.

Documents written by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts. They argued that states have the right to nullify federal laws that violate the Constitution.

The belief that states have significant powers independent of the federal government. This theory was used by Jefferson and Madison to argue for nullification.

Judges appointed by President John Adams just before he left office, primarily to secure Federalist political influence within the judiciary.

The judges were appointed late at night, just before President Adams left office, hence the nickname "Midnight Judges."

The appointment of the Midnight Judges was a strategy by the Federalist party to maintain their political power in the judiciary.

The appointments of the Midnight Judges had a lasting impact on the US judicial system, influencing its direction for years to come.

One of the most notable Midnight Judges was John Marshall, who went on to become the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He was a cousin of President Adams, but opposed his political party.

The 1800 election pitted Federalist John Adams against Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson. This election marked a peaceful shift in power between parties, setting a vital precedent for American democracy.

This act, passed by the Federalists, created a significant increase in federal judgeships and allowed President Adams to appoint his Federalist supporters to these positions for life. This aimed to solidify Federalist power within the judicial branch.

A president who has lost an election and is serving out the remainder of their term. The term 'lame duck' refers to the limited power and influence they have during this period. John Adams was the first lame duck, but this term is used even today for presidents or other officials who have lost an election but remain in office until their term ends.

The Federalist Party, led by John Adams, believed in a strong central government with significant power. They emphasized national unity and a powerful executive to maintain order and stability.

The first lame duck President in US history, who served a longer term than other lame ducks.

When two candidates have the same number of electoral votes, the election goes to the House of Representatives.

The last-minute appointments of judges by President Adams before leaving office, which were mostly Federalists.

A lame duck president still has some power, but it is limited and they often face pressure to cooperate with the incoming administration.

Adams appointed mostly Federalist judges to the new courts before Jefferson took office, aiming to maintain Federalist influence.

This caused tension between political parties and led to the controversy over judicial appointments that continued throughout Jefferson's presidency.

Judicial Review is the power of the Supreme Court to decide if a law is constitutional (lawful) or unconstitutional (against the law).

The Supreme Court ruled that Marbury deserved his job as a judge, but the law that gave him the job was unconstitutional and therefore invalid.

Marbury v. Madison established the principle of Judicial Review, giving the Supreme Court the power to strike down laws that conflict with the Constitution.

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, outlining the framework and principles for the US government.

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the US, interpreting and applying the Constitution to laws, making sure they are consistent with its principles.

A Writ of Mandamus is a court order that forces a government official to do something they legally have to do.

President Adams appointed many judges right before leaving office to keep Federalist influence after Jefferson took over, but Jefferson blocked some of these appointments.

The Judiciary Act of 1801 created more judgeships, giving Federalists more control over the courts.