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John Adams Date of birth: October 30, 1735 Date of death: July 4, 1826 Political party: Federalist Vice President: Thomas Jefferson Term of Office: March 4, 1797- March 3, 1801

John Adams was neither a star student nor a total loss in his only term of Presidency, and deserves a grade of B+ for his limited accomplishments under high-stress circumstances. He walked a fine line between two angry parties that made it nearly impossible for him to complete anything. Although widely criticized for signing the Alien and Sedition Acts, Adams’ mistakes were redeemed for the prevention of war with France. Under intense pressure after the beloved first president George Washington’s terms, Adams aimed to improve relations with the France, and did just that.

The relationship between Adams and Congress was mediocre. Relations with France were unstable at the beginning of Adams' term, eventually igniting into a war-fever after the XYZ Affair. Toeing the line, Adams worked diligently to maintain peace even while a Federalist Congress built war ships and prepared for conflict. When Adams refrained from declaring war, Federalists were appalled and Democratic-Republicans, nonetheless, were thrilled. They supported France after their aid during the American Revolutionary War. The excitement, however, died down when Congress passed the Alien and Sedition Acts. The Sedition Act caused the most uproar, which prohibited any criticism of the federal government. James Madison and Thomas Jefferson stressed for Congress to revoke the acts, and within a few years, they had expired.

During the course of Adams’ administration, his smartest move was undoubtedly abstaining from war with France. The United States was already in shambles after the revolution, and the political factions (Federalists and Anti-Federalists) were so strong and violent it might have invoked civil unrest, which would have crippled America in the face of fighting France. One could argue that the common enemy might have unified the United States, but the French military and government were already exponentially stronger than the infant American armed forces. Adams’ largest downfall, however, was the signing of the Alien and Sedition acts. Wildly unpopular, it curbed free speech and press, one of the most important aspects of the United States.

Adams was not an influential President. Incredibly neutral, he attempted to keep everyone happy, not accomplishing anything, although it wasn’t his fault- his circumstances were disruptive; warring political factions and potential war.

In conclusion, John Adams earns a B+ after his term in office. Despite his inability to fulfill anything, he left the country better off at the end of his presidency, and prevented a war that would have devastated the country. His logical resolution will forever be appreciated in American history.

Bibliography: Kelly, Martin. "John Adams Fast Facts - Second President John Adams." __American History From About__. 10 Sep. 2009 .

"Biography of John Adams." __Welcome to the White House__. 10 Sep. 2009 .

"President John Adams." __Google__. 10 Sep. 2009 .

"American President: John Adams: Foreign Affairs." __Miller Center of Public Affairs__. 10 Sep. 2009 .