Adam’s and Jefferson’s
Presidency
A. John Adams
1. The Facts
– 2nd President
– Federalist Party
– Served one term
(1797-1801)
2. Alien Acts
– Adams and Congress
are worried about
foreign enemies in the
US
– Pass 3 laws meant to
“protect” the US
– Alien laws aimed at
mostly French and Irish
immigrants
– Increased the residency requirements to become
a citizen
– Foreigners had to register with the government
– Allowed the president to jail or expel foreigners
who were “dangerous to the peace and safety”
of the country
3. Sedition Acts
– Adams and Federalists in Congress are afraid of
domestic dissent
– Outlawed any opposition to the Government
– Could not say or write anything that criticized the
public officials
– 9 Democratic-Republican newspaper editors and
a member of Congress were convicted under this
Act
Summary of John Adams’
presidential years, 1797-1801
XYZ Affair
Quasi-War with France
Fries Rebellion
Alien and Sedition Acts
Logan Act (forbids citizens
from negotiating with foreign
nations)
Virginia and Kentucky
resolutions
Divisive politics between the
new parties
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