1. The Second President
• Have you ever wanted to voice your opinion but could not?
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2nd President John Adams
- elected 2nd President
- 1797
- Member of the Federalist Party
Conflict with France
• French reject Jay’s Treaty because it favors England
• France seize American Ships in West Indies
• French Foreign Minister, Charles Maurice de Talleyrand would not deal with the
Americans directly. Instead he sent 3 agents to offer Americans a Deal
The Deal
• The agents said that Talleyrand wanted $250,000 for himself and a $10 million
loan to France.
• “Not a sixpence” said one American
• The French Agents were only known as X, Y, and Z
The XYZ affair of 1789
• Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute.
• Americans willing to spend money for war
• Adams tries to avoid war
• Adams builds up Navy Frigates (Fast-sailing ships with many guns.
Video
• http://goo.gl/SAMfPd
The Federalist Party Splits
• Led by Hamilton, many Federalists criticized Adams
• They wanted a war.
• War would strengthen the Government.
• They liked big Government
• Napoleon was not interested in a war with America
• Adams lost supporters for the election of 1800
1. Alien & Sedition Acts
- laws passed by Federalist Congress
results
= people could not speak/print against President or Federal government
= these would be Unconstitutional today
Videos
• http://goo.gl/u2GEFq

2. 2. Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions
- states nullify (refuse to accept) the Alien & Sedition Acts
results
= John Adams & the Federalists (Congress) are defeated in the election of 1800
= Thomas Jefferson (Democratic Republican) wins the election of 1800
Election of 1800
• Federalists raised Taxes to prepare for war
• Republicans opposed the unpopular Alien and Sedition Acts.
• Republicans backed Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr for VP.
• John Adams was again named the Federalist candidate
Precedent is set
• For the first the President and Vice President are elected as one. The new 12th
amendment changes
The Federalist Era Ends
• After 1800, the Federalist party slowly declined.
• Won fewer seats in Congress
• 1804 – Alexander Hamilton, was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr.
• Despite decline, the Federalists did help US
• Even Republican Presidents kept most of Hamilton’s economic programs.