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 * John Quincy Adams**
 * July 11, 1767-February 28, 1848**
 * Member of the Federalist, Democratic-Republic, National Republic, Whig, and Anti-Masonic parties**
 * March 4, 1825- March 3, 1829**
 * Vice President: John C. Calhoun**

John Quincy Adams was a president that seemed like he tried to improve the country, but faced great criticism in many of his efforts. He did not take the West as aggressively as was thought needed at that time. Adams did assist in the construction of important roads and canals, although his proposal for a national university and astronomy observatory was greatly criticized. I believe Adam’s presidency deserves the grade of a C, I believe he tried to stand up for what he thought was right for the country, even if the people did not always see eye to eye with him.

Entering the presidency with the judging eyes of the country and the whisper of controversy, Adams did not let his criticism hold him back. Adams wanted the federal government to build roads and canals throughout the country. The Cumberland Road in Ohio was extend westward and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was constructed in his administration. Both of these did bring internal improvement to the country, but Adams desired there to be more improvements than Congress would permit. He also endorsed President Washington’s idea of a national university and wanted the federal government to pay for and astronomical observatory, but Congress refused both plans. The people felt that these establishments would be a waste of their hard earned money. Adams did not believe in taking political positions and giving them to his supporters. Only twelve people were taken from federal payroll in his administration. Adams succeed in some of his goals and would have brought about more, if the Congress and the people had not held him back.

John Quincy Adams and the Congress did not have a very good relationship throughout his presidency. Congress, along with much of the country at the time, look at Adams suspiciously after the supposed corrupt bargain took place. Much of both houses were Jeffersonians. Congress as a whole had only chosen Adams for the presidency because of the persuasion of Henry Clay. Congress turned down his proposals for a national university and astronomical observatory. Congress also would not fully approve of his plan for internal improvement in the Union.

In Adams’ first message to Congress he expressed the need for internal improvement in the country. He strove to have roads and canals built, and although, as previously stated, what was built was not what he originally had planned, it did bring improvement to the country. These constructions helped to united the country and enhance commerce. I believe Adams’ advocating for internal improvement was the most positive outcome of his presidency. The Tariff of Abomination in 1828 was probably the most negative part of his presidency. Adams proposed that there should be a tariff on imported manufactured goods. Jacksonians amended it to include a tariff on imported raw materials. They hoped to propose a tariff that the North and South would both disapprove of. Although this bill was poorly drawn and greatly different from what he had originally intended, Adams signed it and it became law. This hated tariff was dubbed the “Tariff of Abolition” and its high rates were later lowered.

Adams’ push for internal improvement helped other administrations to work for more construction of roads, canals, and other forms of transformation. The Tariff of Abomination lead Vice President Calhoun to write the South Carolina Exposition. This paper claimed that the tariff was unconstitutional and stating that states have the right to nullify federal laws. The Vice President’s actions had impacts on future administrations and state governments.

I believe John Quincy Adams had potential and tried to improve the country. If Congress would have supported him in his goals he may have had a more successful presidency, but Congress presented Adams with nearly a brick wall. Adams did improve the country with roads and canals and tried to help other developments. But overall Adams didn’t make a huge difference or have a lot of success in the country, that is why I think he deserves a C.

Bibliography: "Adams National Historical Park." //National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior//. 30 July 2006. Web. 4 Mar 2010. . Degregoria, William A. //The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents//. Sixth Edition. Fort Lee, NJ: Barricade Books Inc., 1946. 89-103. Print. "John Quincy Adams." //The White House//. Web. 4 Mar 2010. .