1. The Adams Years

2. The Federalists The Federalist Party Strong national government
Loose Constructionalists
Led by Hamilton & Adams
Favored England
North and East
Gov. to provide order and stability
supported the Bank, Whiskey Tax, & Jay’s Treaty
Vision of America: Nation of business & industry
Dominated the U.S. gov. in the 1790s

3. The Republicans The Democratic-Republican Party or Republicans
Supreme power with the states
Weak and limited national government
Strict Constructionalists
Only what the Constitution specifically said
Led by Jefferson and Madison
Favored France
South and West
Gov. to protect rights
Hated the Bank, the Whiskey tax, & Jay’s Treaty
Vision of America: nation of small farmers

4. The Election of 1796 Election of 1796
First election of the First Two Party System
Federalists ran John Adams against the Democratic-Republicans (Republicans)Thomas Jefferson
Adams wins a close election (71-68)
Jefferson came in 2nd and became the Vice-President

5. The Election of 1796

6. The Adams Administration 1797-1801
Opposed by High Federalists
Wanted an all-powerful national government
Led by Hamilton
Disliked Adams
Made up Adam’s first cabinet
Attacked by Republican newspapers
Closest advisor was Abigail Adams

7. Trouble with France
Undeclared war at sea with France (Quasi-War)
French were mad about Jay’s Treaty
Saw as a betrayal
Began to attack U.S. ships
U.S. Navy and Marine Corps founded to fight

8. Problems with France Attempts to negotiate with France
French Foreign Minister (Talleyrand) demanded a bribe to negotiate with the U.S.
Federalists demand war after the XYZ Affair
“Millions for Defense not one cent for tribute”

9. Alien and Sedition Acts
Federalists pass the Alien & Sedition Acts (1798) to stop Republican criticism of the government
Made it illegal to criticize the President or the government during the war
10 newspaper editors and one Congressman were sent to prison

10. Nullification
In response to the Alien & Sedition Acts, Jefferson & Madison issue the Virginia & Kentucky Resolves
Creates the theory of nullification
States can cancel any law they believe to be unconstitutional
Based on belief that the states created the Constitution
States > national gov.

11. The Quasi War Ends Napoleon comes to power in France
Sees the conflict with the U.S. as a distraction in his wars with England
Fighting ended by the Convention of 1800