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John Adams

Born: October 30 1735 in Braintree, Norfolk, Massachusetts

Died: July 4, 1826 in Braintree, Norfolk, Massachusetts

Federalist

1797-1801

Thomas Jefferson

During Joh Adams terms of presidency, war was avoided. On the other hand, the Alien and Seditions Acts were passed by John Adams and congress. With this, half being hepful to the county and half not, John Adams gets an average B in ranking.

A major goal of Adams during his term was to avoid war with France. This was accomplished, but just barerly. Adams sent three representatives to France to negotiate and come to a peaceful agreement. Instead the French demanded bribes and Adams became outraged. Some battles were faught between America and France but Adama never signed Decleration of War. Later the battles ended when France decided that they had nothing to gain by fighting a war with America. Thus John Adams met his goal there.

During elections, Adams versus Jefferson, John Adams believed that France at the time was more important than Britian when Jefferson belived the opposite. At that time the federalists back Adams up allowing him to win the elections. However during his presidency all parties were fed up with Adams decisions. However congress allowed Adams to pass the Alien and Sedition Acts. These acts allowed the government to restrain freedom of speech and eliminate immigrants. Two years later these acts would be proven unconstitutional in the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions. However during times of almost war with France Adams was merely left alone, his cabinet strayed away from him and his decisions along with his federalist followers and those in Congress.

Although most argue that John Adams did a poor job when it came to handling the XYZ Affair and the almost war, if it werent for him we woulod have ended up in war with France. Not going into war was a major benefit to America allowing the country to grow and develop without having to worry about taking military actions. This also gave time for Congress to put together the Navy Department. The major downside to Adams presidency would clearly be the Alien and Sedition Acts. They envolved four laws: the Naturalization Law which changed 5 years to 14 years requirement for citizenship. The Alien Act which said the president could deport any "dangerous" aliens at his will. The Enemy Alien Act, president could imprison any enemy aliens during times of war. Then Sedition Act which said that anyone who falsly spoke of the government could be prosecuted. If it werent for those laws made, Adams would have a had a chance to a second term in office.

The only major decision that John Adams made that affected future presidential administrations and future generations would be his decision to not go to war. Yes, the Acts passed were maor but before his term was over they were revoked anyway. So if America did go to war the progress made would ahve been delayed and that would have been another war in the textbooks.

Overall the country was better off at the end of his term. This is because he resolved problems with France and future presidents got to what would happen if they passed laws similiay to the Alien and Sedition Acts. So an average B is an appropriate rating for John Adams.