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 * President**: John Adams Jr.
 * Birth**: October 30, 1735
 * Death**: July 4, 1826
 * Political Party**: Federalist
 * Term as President**: 1797-1801 (1 term)
 * Vice President**: Thomas Jefferson (1 term)

Following in the footsteps of a man who had led America to be a free country maybe a large task but John Adams took his position as president head on and was determined to keep his country going in the right direction. As second president, John Adams had the important job of making the transition between administrations smooth and carrying ideas forward from Washington’s presidency. Overall, I would have to give him a high B because of his genuine efforts to maintain the stability of the new nation and to improve it in the areas that needed to be enhanced. Adams did not have the most commanding presence or superior leadership ability, which may have caused him to not reach his full potential as president. It has been stated that although Adams had many good ideas, he was not well liked by his fellow leaders.

When Adams entered office, he realized that he needed to protect Washington’s policy of remaining neutral regarding the French and British war. Adams seemed to be liked by the French, which was always a goal he strived to attain. Another one of his goals was to promote republican values. He also suggested civic virtue. Adams as many people said never wanted to “rock the boat.” The best example of this is his decision to keep the same cabinet from George Washington’s terms. Overall Adams kept a clean record and promoted a good presidency.

Adams relationship with the congress was never optimal. When he began his presidency, he made the decision to keep the cabinet from the Washington administration. This was ultimately a poor decision, as the majority of the cabinet would not support many of his decisions. On one side of the cabinet was Alexander Hamilton, a federalist who was on the side of Britain during the French and British war. On the other side was Thomas Jefferson, a democratic-republican who supported the French. Adams always seemed wedged between the two. Although listed as a federalist, Adams tried not to choose sides and remain neutral. Adams and the congress had a relationship not of the best. In an effort not to show support for either party in the congress, Adams signed almost piece of legislation that came across his desk during his presidency. This would include the Neutralization Act, Alien Act, Alien Enemies Act and Sedition Act.

During John Adams’ presidency, one situation seemed to have a good outcome. This would be the “X, Y, and Z” affair. When France‘s Minister Talleyrand refused to negotiate a peaceful solution to the tensions without a substantial bribe, Adams refused to comply. The nation broke out with what was called “X, Y, Z Fever.” The federalist’s party actually gained popularity. Congress appropriated money to complete three new frigates and to build additional ships, and authorized the raising of a provisional army. There was never a clear declaration of war, but hostilities began on the seas. Despite several brilliant naval victories, war fever subsided and America remained neutral. Despite the good outcome of the X, Y, Z affair, Adams did have his share of bad decisions. His worst would be the Alien Acts. The Federalist Party supported this act. This legislation was pushed through to keep tighter control on all immigrants, who would likely vote Republican and those who criticized the government. While Adams played no part in the formation of these acts, nor took steps to enforce them, he was held responsible for these unpopular measures in the public mind.

A decision that influenced future generations of Americans was Adams’ choice to appoint John Marshall as a federal judge during the final days of his term. John Marshall gave the Federalist Party a lasting influence. Marshall would become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and he made the Constitution a national force and made the Judicial Branch equal to both the Legislative and Executive. If it were not for his influence, America’s judicial system would not be the same as it is today. Adams good judgment of picking a strong judiciary force, as well as many good leaders has influenced other Presidents follow suit.

John Adams was good for our country. He continued George Washington’s ideas and lead America in a positive direction. However, as stated before Adams was not the most liked president. It was stated, “He was respected but never popular.” After only one term, he had lost to Jefferson. This is why I can only give him a B. Yes, Adams did affect progress in America and made some difficult choices. His ineffectiveness as a leader was most likely the result of not surrounding himself with a supportive cabinet and his because of his lack of political shrewdness.

Bibliography
 * 1) "Biography of John Adams." __Welcome to the White House__. 8 Sep. 2009 <[]
 * 2) "John Adams Wikipedia.” __Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia__. 8 Sep. 2009 <[]>.
 * 3) “John Adams Biography Page 2.” __Nps.gov__. 10 Sep. 2009 < [] >