1. John Adams
John Adams becoming President was the first peaceful transition of power.
Why is this important?

2. John Adams
President
71 electoral votes
Federalist

3.                                                               
                                       
Thomas Jefferson
Vice-President
68 electoral votes
Republican

4. Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans (1798)
Issue
Federalists
Democratic-Republicans
Economy?
Manufacturing
Agrarian (farming)
National Bank?
Bank (helps manufacturing)
No Bank (too much federal power)
Interpret Constitution?
Broadly (is it expressly forbidden?)
Strictly (is it expressly permitted?)
Balance of Power?
National Authority
States’ Rights
Foreign Policy?
Pro-British
Pro-French

6. England & France still got beef
France was seizing American ships
Adams wants NEUTRALITY
Sends ministers over to negotiate with French Foreign Minister – XYZ Affair
“Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute”
Quasi-War for next 2 years, Navy created

7. NEUTRALITY
Following Washington’s lead… Adams continues the policy of Neutrality
XYZ Affair

8. Adams Creates Controversy
Tensions between Republicans & Federalists rose
Adams saw this as a growing threat to the country – passed the Alien & Sedition Acts in 1798.

9. Summary of Alien Acts (1798)
Naturalization Act
To be eligible for citizenship, an alien must prove 14 years of residence within the United States (previously 5 years).
Alien Act
President may deport any alien he views as “dangerous to the peace and safety of the U.S.” No trial or evidence required. No defense.
Alien Enemies Act
President may, in case of war, deport aliens of an enemy country or impose severe restraints on them.

10. Sedition Act
Read and Answer questions on back of sheet.

11. Summary of Sedition Act (1798)
Illegal to conspire to oppose any measure or to impede the operation of any law of the United States.
2) Illegal for any person to write print or publish “any false, scandalous and malicious writing against the government of the United States, or either house of the Congress or the President with intent to defame or to bring them into contempt or disrepute; or to excite against them the hatred of the good people of the United States.

12. Major Opposition Kentucky & Virginia Resolutions
Nullification – states had the right to nullify, or consider void, any act of Congress they deem unconstitutional.
Eventually this dies out… but shows balance of power between states & federal gov’t is a hot issue – election of 1800

13. Connections http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX9HpsCVC9s
What is the role of political dissent in the United States? In what ways is it protected? (Do you have a right to criticize the government? Are there limits to this right?)