6-4 John Adams Presidency

XYZ affair

A 1797 incident in which French officials demanded a bribe from U.S. diplomats

Democratic-Republican Party

A political party that supported states' rights and individual rights over the rights of the central government.

Federalist Party

A political party that wanted to strengthen the federal government and promote industry and trade.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Acts passed by federalists giving the government power to imprison or deport foreign citizens and prosecute critics of the government.

Why were Federalists shocked at Adams's decision to resume peace talks with the French?

Adams had declared war with France because They wanted a 250k bribe in order to restore peace with the new ruler

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

Declaration passed that said that each state had the right to decide whether a federal law was constitutional or not

political parties

Groups of people who organize to help elect government officials and influence government policies.

What two political parties emerged before the election of 1796? Who were the founders?

1. Federalist Party- Alexander Hamilton 2. Democratic Republican- Thomas Jefferson and James Madison

What did the Alien and Sedition Acts state?

It extended the time it took to become a citizen from 5 to 14 years. The president could deport anyone who served dangerous to this country. He also made it a crime to speak against the U.S

What was one of Adams's first goals as president?

One of Adams's first goal as president was to mend relationships between the U.S. and France.

What effect did the political parties have on the election of 1796?

There was a split in government with a federalists president and a democratic Republican Vice president

What idea regarding states' rights did the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions support?

They supported the idea that states could challenge the federal government.

Do you think it was difficult for Adams and Jefferson to serve together as president and vice president? Explain your answer.

Yes, It was difficult for Adams and Jefferson to serve together as president and vice- president because Adams was a federalist and Jefferson was a Republican