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Political Party: Federalist In office March 4, 1797 – March 4, 1801 Vice President: Thomas Jefferson
 * John Adams** (October 30, 1735 – July 4, 1826)

On a grading scale A through F, A being the highest; I would attribute our second president John Adams with a -B. I would give him this rating because he successfully prevented America from entering the French and British war, as well as effectively negotiating the U.S. out of the entirely naval Quasi-War with France. However, he also passed a variety of acts dealing with foreign policies and immigration, many of which were deemed unconstitutional at a later time (one however is still used today), and was responsible for such scandals as the “XYZ Affair”. One of Adams’ main goals was for the United States to refrain from meddling in the French and British war, which he accomplished in spite of Alexander Hamilton and many Federalist’s desire for battle. He held steadfast against pressure from his own party and stood up for what he viewed to be the correct decision – staying neutral in European disputes. In keeping with Adams’ determination for peace, he also negotiated the end to the Quasi-War at sea with France. A strong recurring theme throughout Adams’ term in office is an understanding that sticking by your values even though it might not be popular is sometimes an advantageous way to go. John Adams had a strained relationship with congress and his party. During the time of the British and French war Adams was determined to keep the United States neural, and deplored the policy of such people as Alexander Hamilton his followers, who wanted to intervene. This caused John Adams to not be quite as popular in congress as one would hope, but he felt it was worth it and beneficial to the U.S. as a whole. Most likely the action that had the greatest positive outcome on the U.S. that was made by Adams was saving the United States from fighting a needless war. The president once suggested for his epitaph: “Here lies John Adams, who took upon himself the responsibility of the peace with France, in the year 1800.” The end of the Quasi-War potentially saved thousands of American lives, and countless American dollars. However, the action that had the greatest negative outcome was probably the signing and passing of the Alien and Sedition Acts. Thomas Jefferson denounced the Sedition Act as invalid and a violation of the First and Tenth Amendment of the United States Bill of Rights. These acts filled many people with disapproval and generally made it difficult to be an American citizen with full rights. One of the most direct examples of how Adams’ actions affected future generations is in the Alien Enemies Act (officially named An Act Respecting Alien Enemies).This act authorized the president to apprehend and deport resident aliens if their home countries were at war with the United States of America. Enacted July 6, 1798, with no expiration date, it remains in effect today and has frequently been enforced during wartime. In conclusion, Adams made some poor short term decisions dealing with domestic policy, but made tremendously effective decisions dealing with foreign policy. Adams essentially side-stepped two separate wars during his term, which can be viewed as a momentous feat of courage and leadership. His Alien and Sedition Acts were unconstitutional, but were almost immediately deemed void by the next president Thomas Jefferson, so realistically they did not pose much damage to the U.S. in the long run. John Adams, even with his faults, was a qualified and strong successor to George Washington, and led the U.S. as the second president with intelligence and courage.

Works Cited "Alien and Sedition Acts." __Wikipedia__. 3 Feb. 2009 . Freidel, Frank. __Our Country's Presidents__. Washington, D.C.: National Geograpic Society, 1981. "John Adams." __Wikipedia__. 3 Feb. 2009 . World Book, Inc., comp. "Adams, John." __World Book__. 1993. 37-38.