1. Aim #20: What were the key events during John Adams’ presidency?

2. (I) The XYZ Affair US merchant ships were seized by French warships
Adams sent a delegation to France to negotiate a settlement
3 French delegates (X,Y,Z) demanded bribes in order to begin negotiations
US newspapers reports angered Americans, many called for war with France
e. Adams avoided war (he didn’t believe that the US military was strong enough to fight a world power)

3. (II) Alien and Sedition Acts
The federalists controlled all 3 branches of government
Passed the Alien and Sedition Acts to limit the power of the Federal government
c.. Alien Acts: allowed the president to deport “dangerous” aliens
d. Sedition Act: made it illegal for newspaper editors to criticize the president or Congress

4. (III) The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
a. Democratic-Republicans argued that the A and S acts were unconstitutional b. Kentucky adopted a resolution written by Jefferson c. Virginia adopted a resolution written by Madison d. Both argued that the Union was a “contract” between states and therefore states could nullify a federal law (nullification) e. Resolved when Federalists lost their majority in Congress and the Supreme Court under John Marshall asserted power of judicial review