1. Chapter 7 sec 4 (page 250) If congress passed a law forbidding you from criticizing the government would it stop you? Do you feel you have the right to speak out against our government today? Agenda Friday, 9/12/08 ~ Complete 8 Critical events Chart due Monday, 9/15/08 ~ Chapter 7 test on Tuesday, 9/16/08

2. Election of 1796 Political Parties – groups that help elect people and shape policies. Alexander Hamilton helped found the Federalist Party. Federalist Party – wanted a strong government and supported industry and trade. LARGE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT Democratic-Republican Party – wanted to limit the federal government’s power. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison founded the Democratic-Republican Party. Adams defeated Jefferson in the election of 1796 (later Jefferson would become president in 1801). At this time, the person who came in 2 nd in the election became vice president.

3. The United States and France Adam’s first goal as president was to improve the relationship between the United States and France. –Because of previous differences and a strained relationship French foreign minister named Talleyrand would not speak to the American diplomats. Talleyrand sent three French agents to discuss the terms. –He would only discuss a treaty only in exchange for $250,000 bribe. The French government also wanted $12 million. U.S. refused these demands The peace-seeking mission had failed The XYZ Affair(XYZ letters substitute the names of the French agents) – became known as the French demand for a bribe.

4. Preparations for War Adams feared war so he asked Congress to expand the military to a fleet of more than 30 ships. He felt war was unavoidable Also felt U.S. should keep a peacetime army. Although Adams had asked Congress for military support, he did not want to go to war with France. He worried about its cost. Despite intense pressure from members of his own party (Federalist), Adams refused to change his mind.

5. The Alien and Sedition Acts In 1798 the Federalist-controlled Congress passed four laws known as the Alien and Sedition Acts. These laws were said to protect the United States, but the Federalists intended them to crush opposition to war. The most controversial was the Sedition Act which forbade anyone from publishing or voicing criticism of the federal government. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, viewed these acts as a misuse of the government’s power.