John Adams' presidency from 1797 to 1801 was unproductive and frustrating. The XYZ Affair strained relations with France and led to the Quasi-War, a naval conflict between the two countries. Additionally, the Federalist-controlled government passed the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts to restrict immigrants and opposition newspapers. This prompted the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions arguing states could nullify federal laws, setting a precedent for states' rights. There were also slave and tax-based rebellions. The 1800 election between Jefferson and Adams ended with Jefferson winning after support from Hamilton. Adams also made last-minute judicial appointments before leaving office.

1. John Adams' Administration 1797-1801 AP U.S. History Unit 2

2. Election of 1796 John Adams-Federalist Thomas Jefferson-Vice President Very frustrating and unproductive term in office. XYZ Affair 3 men sent to France to persuade the French to stop harassing American shipping Solicited for a bribe Minister Talleyrand's officials demanded the bribe-unnamed “ millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute”

3. Quasi-War 1798-99 This uproar moved Adams to suspend all trade with the French. American ship captains were authorized to attack and capture armed French vessels. Department of the Navy created. In 1800, the new government under Napoleon signed a new treaty and the peace was restored.

4. Alien and Sedition Acts Federalists' used their majority to mandate legislation to stifle foreign influences. Alien Act- deferred immigrants trying to obtain citizenship Sedition Act- hamper newspaper critics-gave power to the Adams administration Aimed at Republican opposition Editors were actually jailed for printing critical editorials.

5. Acts Continued Alien Enemies Act allowed the wartime arrest, imprisonment and deportation of any alien subject to an enemy status. Naturalization Acts increased the amount of time necessary for immigrants to become naturalized citizens in the United States from five to fourteen years

6. Kentucky and Virginia Resolves Republicans convinced that Alien and Sedition Acts were unconstitutional. Process yet undefined Proposed that the “compact theory” by Locke be applied, which would empower the state bodies to “nullify” federal laws within those states. Only adopted by Kentucky and Virginia-died Sets standard for future cases of states rights.

7. Rebellions Gabriel's Rebellion First slave revolt in the new nation Inspired by revolts in Haiti Fries Rebellion Revolt over the taxation of property Not based on population-deemed unfair

8. Election of 1800 Republican ticket Jefferson and Burr Federalist ticket Adams and Pinckney All ran for the presidency Jefferson and Burr received the same number of electoral votes, so the election when to the House of Representatives. Hamilton threw support to Jefferson-Burr took vice-presidency

9. Packing the Judiciary Judiciary Act 1801 Adams filled the newly created vacancies with party supporters, many of them with last-minute commissions. Called “midnight appointments” John Marshall was appointed Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Guaranteed a continuation of Federalist policies.