Adam’s and Jefferson’s Presidency

A. John Adams

1. The Facts– 2nd President– Federalist Party– Served one term (1797-1801)

2. Alien Acts– Adams and Congress

are worried about foreign enemies in the US

– Pass 3 laws meant to “protect” the US

– Alien laws aimed at mostly French and Irish immigrants

– Increased the residency requirements to become a citizen

– Foreigners had to register with the government– Allowed the president to jail or expel foreigners

who were “dangerous to the peace and safety” of the country

3. Sedition Acts– Adams and Federalists in Congress are afraid of

domestic dissent– Outlawed any opposition to the Government– Could not say or write anything that criticized the

public officials– 9 Democratic-Republican newspaper editors and

a member of Congress were convicted under this Act

6

Summary of John Adams’ presidential years, 1797-1801

XYZ Affair

Quasi-War with France

Fries Rebellion

Alien and Sedition Acts

Logan Act (forbids citizens from negotiating with foreign nations)

Virginia and Kentucky resolutions

Divisive politics between the new parties