Mitchell+K.

John Adams October 30, 1735 to July 4, 1826 Political Party: Federalist Terms in Office: March 4, 1797 to March 4, 1801 Vice President: Thomas Jefferson Thematic context: American culture substantially changed in 1798 when the Depatment of Navy was created, after being neglected post Treaty of Paris. Earlier in 1794 congress ordered four large ships the "Constellation", "United States", "Chesapeake", and the "President". Relations with France became diffuicult and Adams rushed the completion of the ships in 1800 to battle the French. American culture changed drastically as port cities began to build their own Ships, by 1800 America was eqipped with a fleet of 49 ships to battle the French. American culture later changed in 1798 and 1799 when Adams passed the Alien and Sedition Acts. This aroused conflict with civil liberty activists, Virginia and Kentucky, resulting in the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions. The resolution stated that the federal government and states had no right to excersize powers not directly given to them. Culture changed when tempers flared bewteen citizens rights and the enforcement of government upon them.

Thesis: John Adams, the 2nd President of the United States of America, has earned a rating of an B on a scale of A-F with F being lowest. He played a leading role in the States' Constitutional Convention, thus making him very influential on our nation's doctrines. He also helped improve our nations defense by putting emphasis on the navy, which was the main method of travel to America. He usually disagreed with his cabinet. While considered a Federalist, most of his cabinet was Democratic-Republican. He also often disagreed with his own party making him somewhat of a modern Independent.

Goals: Some goals Adams' term had were, as he stated in his inaugural address, to uphold the Constitution and to patch up French-American relations. Ultimately, he made peace with France after the Quasi-War. On the Constitution side, he failed by allowing the Sedition Acts to be passed, which did not allow slanderous writings about the government, which severely damaged the right of free press stated in the first Amendment.

Relations with Congress: To understand Adams' relationship with Congress, the majority political party must be recognized. During his term, the Federalist party held the majority of the bicameral legislation. This fact means that the government was essentially controlled by the Federalists. This means that the executive branch and the legislative branch were on the same terms so Adams never had a reason to use the veto power.

Positives: Adams' most positive contribution to the country was his involvement with the navy. It played a vital role in the Quasi-War where they captured 90 throughout the duration of the war. This proved their naval power and boosted the American spirit because they had defeated a European power.

Negatives: A negative decision of John Adams was to pass the Sedition Acts. The Federalist party was pro-central government and by outlawing any piece of literature with mal-intent towards the government they increased the influence of the central government. This consequently clashed with the Bill of Rights and many rights of the people.

Influential Decision: The decision to allow the Alien and Sedition Acts was probably John Adams" most influential decision during his term. They influenced the future presidents by halting his service and allowing for a new view to be in the seat of power. The Acts angered the citizens of America and they were not in support of him during the next Presidential Election.

Conclusion: John Adams deserves the rank of B because while he was very influential and made positive decisions, he also disregarded the civil liberties of people. His efforts to win against the French and avoid war were shining aspects of his presidency. The American navy today remains one of its country's best assets due to John Adams. The positives outlasted the negatives so he therefore he deserves a better grade.

Bibliography: Infoplease. Infoplease, n.d. Web. 09 Sept. 2012. < @http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/history/A0827416.html >.

"John Adams." John Adams. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Sept. 2012. < @http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/j3/john_adams-i.htm >.

"The US Navy Is Created." The US Navy Is Created. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Sept. 2012. < @http://www.historycentral.com/NN/Navy.html >.

"Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions (United States History)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 09 Sept. 2012. < @http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/630019/Virginia-and-Kentucky-Resolutions >. Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions — Infoplease.com www.infoplease.com