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= = = John Adams = President of the United States of America (March 4th, 1797 - March 3rd, 1801) (1 Term) Born - October 30th. 1735 in the Massachusetts Bay Colony Died - July 4th, 1826

Vice President
Thomas Jefferson

Political Party
Federalist = Overview = John Adams: A man who was truly tested by other nations (France    to be specific). As our 2ndPresident, He gave an honest try in protecting our country, but in reality he did quite the opposite. If one were to grade a man, put under the stresses of an entire nation (which would be quite unfair), it is safe to say that John Adams would earn a C for his efforts due to the passing of the Sedition and Alien acts which were designed to crumple political opposition immigration, and free speech. During Adam’s Presidency, he was under the constant threat of attacks from the French. Merchant’s ships were being raided, and threats were made against the president. President Adams’ one and only goal was to defend    America     from the French. This goal was accomplished, however, in the process the Sedition and Alien acts were passed in order to suppress free speech and immigration. The sedition act was most important. The Sedition act stated that    any conspiracy against the government including riots and interference with officers would result in a high misdemeanor. This act prohibits the people of    America speaking out against the government. The Dilemma with the French was solved in 1979; therefore it is safe to say his goal was accomplished. During all four years of John Adam’s presidency, the majority for BOTH houses of congress were of the same party as the president himself: Federalist. This explains the ease of passing laws. For Example; the Sedition and Alien acts. There were 2 other acts passed in addition to the former; The Alien Enemy Act (which stated that the president can deport any or all of aliens from an enemy nation at will) and the Naturalization Act (which changed the residence requirement for naturalizing immigrants from 5 years, to fourteen) John Adams was quite frustrated with the French during his presidency. Adams    sent 3 ministers to go and try to work things out with the French. The three were sent home without even being welcomed to port. Then, the French sent 3 men to demand $250,000 from the Americans to “fix the problems”. The Americans were Outraged. After dodging and stifling criticism and uproar. Adams    again sent three ministers to try and make peace with the French…this time they were successful. The reconciliation with the French was    Adams’ best action for the sake of the nation. However, even though he meant good in the passing of the Sedition and Alien acts, it was the worst action of his term in office. How could a president, who is sworn to protect the nation and its beliefs pass acts that quench the American right to freedom and free speech? President Adams passed the Naturalization act. This meant that all immigrants needed no live in the USA    for nearly 3x the time they originally had to. This was meant to cut immigration down. The law stifled immigration and hindered the growth of the nation. This requirement was later changed back to 5 years after his presidency. Therefore another president had to waste valuable time to fix this error. = = In conclusion the president should receive a C letter grade. The laws that were passed were atrocious and not conducive to the growth and development of the nation. However he did mean good in preventing a war with the French (successfully) the way he went about doing it was not the best.

= Sources = [] [] [|http://americanhistory.about.com/od/johnadams/p/padams.htm]