Bailey+T.+-+JA+-+FA09

President: John Quincy Adams (October 30, 1735- July 4, 1826) Party: Federalist Term: March 4, 1797- March 4, 1801 Vice President: Thomas Jefferson John Adams was experienced, intelligent and determined; which helped him in his presidency. His intelligence showed at young age, and continued through his graduation at Harvard. He was determined to use his experience from vice presidency with George Washington to his advantage and use it to help the common goals of the country. In the case of President John Adams, he deserves an A.  His goals as president were based partially off his experience as vice president, as well as his ideas on how we as a country could become stronger. A few of his main goals were foreign policy, central government and a Congress less based on popularity. In the case of foreign policy Adams strived to continue what Washington started, which was keeping America out of the French Revolution. He realized that taking sides would really hurt them in the long run; and in the beginning it worked (until the Quasi- War). When reinforcing Washington’s idea of central government; or making laws for the whole country, he understood how much smoother life would be. It also helped shaped the kind of government we use today. Lastly, he wanted to get rid of the “popularity contest” that was enforced in Congress. He favored life terms, which ended up failing. John Adams had a strong relationship with Congress. As a Federalist, he was backed up in both the 5th and 6th Congress, as the Federalists had the majority vote. The actual rundown was … 5th: Senate:: 20 Federalists to 12 Democratic- Republicans House:: 58 Federalists to 48 Democratic- Republicans 6th: Senate:: 19 Federalists to 13 Democratic- Republicans House:: 64 Federalists to 42 Democratic- Republicans When you take a look at what was passed over these two congressional terms, they are seen in America today. Directly related is the United States Navy Department (1798) and United States Marine Cooperation (1798). Another legislator passed was the Alien and Sedation Act of 1798; or a set of 4 bills protecting America from outside (alien) power; and hurting the government. A main act was in the 5th Congress called the Act to Further Protect the Commerce of the United States (1798), it basically said the President could use force whenever needed in the Quasi-War. The Judiciary Acts of 1801, and District of Columbia Organic acts were passed as well. The president’s administration had quite a few positive and negative outcomes over Adam’s term. The positive outcome that was most important was the XYZ Affair; this was used to gain peace with the French. They sent in 3 men, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, John Marshall and Elbridge Gerry. This idea backfired in the beginning; and became a negative for some time. The Prime Minister ordered a $250,000 bribe before he would consider peace. The bribe lead to the Quasi- War; or the war at sea between France and the United States. The war lasted 2 years. After this time, 3 new peace makers tried to bargain with France, they were Patrick Henry, William Vans Murray and Oliver Ellisworth. Their plan succeeded after the conclusion of the Convention of 1800. It lead to France accepting to keep the peace at sea with America. Basically, this idea of the XYZ Affair was both the positive and negative outcomes in this man’s term. Based on Adam’s life, he made many contributions to America today; but the most vital during presidency was the issuance of his “midnight judges”. He appointed Federalists during the last few minutes of presidency. This action denied Democratic- Republican views in court. But, the biggest contribution outweighs this by at least double; he urged the Declaration of Independence; which is still used today. Without this man, we might not have that official document to run America. So, while it may have not taken place in his presidency, it is still something he needs recognizing for. John Adams was better off at the end of his term; based off of all the strides he made in just 4 years. From his early experiences as vice president, to the starting of two of the United States’ military branches; he made himself shine. Just as before, this man earns a solid A.

Works Cited "Alien and Sedation Acts." //Wikipedia//. Web. 9 Sept. 2009. . "Central Government." //Yahoo//. Web. 9 Sept. 2009. . Degregorio, William A. //The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents//. Third ed. Avenel: Wings Books, 1984. Print. "The Diaries of John Quincy Adams." Massachusetts Historical Society. Web. 9 Sept. 2009. . "John Adams." //Wikipedia//. Web. 9 Sept. 2009. . "Quasi- War." //Wikipedia//. Web. 9 Sept. 2009. .