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= John Adams =

Born October 30, 1735 North Precinct of Braintree (now Quincy), Massachuesetts Died on July 4, 1826 in Quincy Massachusetts Political Party: Federalist 2nd President of the United States Served form March 4,1797- March 4,1801 (one term) Vice President for term: Thomas Jefferson

If I had to give John Adams a grade for his actions during his presidency I would have to give him a B because of how he handled relations with Great Britain and France. Adams successfully avoided conflict with France and ultimately strengthened the relationship of the two countries. Adams was a very stubborn man and always did what he thought was best for the nation and did not let other peoples views get in his way. However, Adam's choices to pass laws that were cruel to foreigners and his anti-republican views ultimately led to his decline in popularity by the end of his term in 1801.

The main goal Adams' had as President was to patch up the rocky relationship America had with France and prevent any possible further conflicts that could ensue. Despite Thomas Jefferson's opinion, Adams viewed France as a threat and wanted to make peace with them. However, this task was fairly difficult at times. France wanted a $250,000 bribe before they would even speak to American representatives, which led to the X,Y,Z Affair. Adams was very passionate in his idea to settle the differences between the two countries without war. He sent a second peace committee to Paris where France agreed to neutrality in the bodies of water and to release the United States from the agreement made during the Revolution. In return, America made France trading partners. It is undoubtedly clear that Adams achieved his first goal. On the other hand Adams' second goal, to make the Federalist party strong, was unsuccesfull. By the end of his presidency, the Federalists had divided into two groups and lost much of their power. The Republican party took reign as Jefferson was elected, when he defeated Adams, in 1801.

Adams held a fair relationship with Congress. He was much more involved with foreign affairs and left most of the domestic situations to Congress. Adams never vetoed a bill mainly because of his belief in seperation of powers. He passed the Alien and Sedation Acts in 1798,which opposed the Republicans, the Logan Act and federal taxes on property. During Adams term the Federalists held a slight majority in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Although Adams did not have the best realationship with the Secratary of Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, Congress was still able to effectively pass laws that were beneficial to the United States.

The most influencial decision that Adams made was to not engage in a war with France. Instead he peacefully patched up America's relationship with France with the X,Y,Z Affair and the second peace committee that he sent to Paris. Adams made the correct decision to not begin a war with France because America was a fairly young nation at the time, just setting it's footing. A war would most likely delay the stability of America and its government. Due to the positive outcome, Jefferson was able to make the Louisianna Purchase in 1803 which nearly doubled the size of America. The Louisianna Purchase would have never been possible if there was still tension between France and the United States. A decision that was not very beneficial for the United States that Adams decided was passing the Alien and Sedation Acts. The acts were very unpopular among the Americans because they were unconstitutional and discriminated against the Democratic-Republicans, as well as Jefferson's followers. Adams main purpose in passing these acts was to limit the number of Republican immigrants that could vote therefore giving him the upperhand in the upcoming election agains Jefferson. In 1801 Jefferson was elected into the White House and the acts were repealed in 1802.

A resolution that Adams made that was very influencial to the United States was his decision to create a Navy. By doing so, Adams made a everlasting impact on America. The Navy is a very strong department of defense in the United States still today, protecting our countries borders in its surrounding waters. By establishing a Navy, Adams helped add a way of defense and prevented many possible attacks on America. The Navy enabled office positions and employment which benefitted the colonists and Americans still today.

Although Adams is a very underestimated American president, the United States was better off that he served a term as president. Adams decisions to make peace with France, create a Navy, and his idea of seperation of powers were very beneficial to the United States and have helped mold America into the country that it is today. Adams was faced with many difficult situations and handled them with maturity and truth. He was able to achieve his main goal and effectively make the best choices he could for America without giving into political pressure. For the reasons listed above, Adams was a very remarkable president with minor flaws and deserves a B for his time spent in office.

Bibliography "American President: John Adams." //Miller Center of Public Affairs//. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Feb. 2010. .

"John Adams." //American Presidents//. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Feb. 2010. .  Degregorio, William A.. //The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents, Seventh Edition (Complete Book of Us Presidents)//. 7 ed. Fort Lee: Barricade Books, 2009. Print. "The John Adams Administration." //Presidential Administration Profiles for Students//. Online Edition. Gale Group, 2002. Reproduced in History Resource Center. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale. [|http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/HistRC/].

Kelly, Martin. "John Adams Biography." //American History//. About.com. Web. 3 Feb. 2010. <[]>.