1. John Adams
Today we will judge the presidency of John Adams using sentence stems.
As historians we will assess Adams’ presidency – which is difficult to do
We will examine the XYZ Affair, Alien & Sedition Acts, and Virginia & Kentucky Resolution

2. Name:­____________________________­­___
Period:________ Date:__________
John Adams
1 Term Only President
Stubborn, vain, elite
Politically isolated
Honest and Wise
Opponent of slavery
Peaceful resolution of conflicts
Decisions were not popular, but right

3. XYZ Affair
Jay Treaty (1794) – averted war with Great Britain and promoted peaceful trade
U.S. relationship with France strained; France upset and leaders ordered the allowing for the seizure of American merchant ships
Adams avoided war though many were in favor

4. Sentence Stem
The U.S. should have (gone / not gone) to war with France because _______________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)
Federalists aligned with Britain; Democratic-Republicans aligned with France (French Revolution big event in Europe) – supported France and some wanted a similar revolution
National security – allowed the president to imprison or deport aliens who were considered "dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States“
Restricted free speech
Intended to decrease the number of voters who disagreed with the Federalist party

6. Sentence Stem
The Alien & Sedition Acts were (constitutional / unconstitutional) because ________________________________________________________________________________________________.

7. Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions
Political statements ( ) from both states arguing that the Alien and Sedition Acts were unconstitutional
Written by Jefferson and Madison
States had the right to declare unconstitutional any acts of Congress that were not authorized by the Constitution
States’ rights; strict constructionism

8. Sentence Stem
The states have (the right / no rights) to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional because________________________________________________________________________________________.

9. Exit Ticket
Directions: Using the information from today state and explain the legacy of John Adams’ presidency.
John Adams had a (successful / unsuccessful) presidency because _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.