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John Quincy Adams July 11, 1767 – February 23, 1848 **Political party**-Democratic-Republican **Term-**March 4, 1825, to March 4, 1829 **Vice President-**John Caldwell Calhoun Due to the corrupt bargain which got Adams his presidency along with other unpopular descisions, Adams was not liked very much among the people of the United States. Adams did, however, have some very good ideas which benefitted the United States. Although not all of his ideas were implemented, those that were, such as modernization, had a very postitve effect on the United States as a whole. Therefore, I feel Adams deserves a B- for his presidency. Adams’ main goal as president was to moderzize the country by developing the American system. These developments consisted of a high tariff to support infrastructure improvements such as road-building, a national bank to encourage productive enterprise, and a national currency. In Adams’ first annual message to Congress, he presented an ambitious program for modernization that included the construction of roads, canals, a national university, and an astronomical observatory. Lacking Congressional allies, Adams was unable to implement most of these programs. Adams’ critics felt strongly that these program items transcended constitutional limitations. Adams did not have a very good relationship with Congress because most of the congressmen were Jefferson followers and/or supporters of Jackson and because they already disliked Adams due to the corrupt bargain. These members of Congress did everything they could to impede the ideals and views of Adams. Adams lost power over Congress when Martin Van Buren, a Jackson supporter, became the leader. Adams also lessened his support in Congress by refusing to retire the present officeholders to make room for his own supporters. One of the most positive decisions that Adams made was the decision to construct roads and canals. This decision greatly improved the infrastructure of America. The construction of roads and canals gave the United States the ability to trade, which, in turn, boosted the economy of the United States. Some of the main roads and canals constructed were the Cumberland Road into Ohio, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, the Delaware and Chesapeake Canal, the Portland to Louisville Canal, the Erie Canal, and the enlargement of the Dismal Swamp Canal. All of these roads and canals significantly improved transportation in America causing trade and consequently the economy to boom. The new roads and canals greatly influenced the lives of people in future generations. Without these roads and canals trade and transportation would never have become what it was or is today. Although intended for good, one of the most negitive actions of Adams’ presidency was the Tariff of 1828, or the Tariff of Abominations. The goal of the tariff was to protect industry in the North and South which was being driven out of business by low-priced British manufactured goods. Because of this situation, the United States put a tax on imported goods. The South was not happy with this decision because it forced them to pay higher prices on goods the region did not produce and, therefore, the South reduced theirLess goods being imported from the British made it difficult for the British to pay for the cotton they imported from the South. In the end, the South felt as if they were being discriminated against because their revenue was affected much more severly than the North’s. The country was somewhat better off after Adams’ presidency. Adams didn’t really achieve any positive political changes, but the construction of the roads and canals definitely made a difference in the infrastructure of the United States which greatly contributed to the development of the United States. In considering the aspect of modernizing the United States, the country was definitely better off after Adams’ presidency, however, due to Adams’ lack of positive political changes I would give Adams a B- for his presidency. "American President: John Quincy Adams." //Miller Center of Public Affairs//. Web. 05 Mar. 2010. . "John Quincy Adams - 6th President of USA." //Squidoo : Welcome to Squidoo//. Web. 05 Mar. 2010. . "John Quincy Adams |." //The White House//. Web. 05 Mar. 2010. . "An Overview of John Quincy Adams as President - by Kellea Croft - Helium." //Helium - Where Knowledge Rules//. Web. 05 Mar. 2010. .
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