1. 2nd President - John Adams
From the dvd, “The Presidents”
List his experiences prior to being president.
1. Signer of the Declaration of Independence
2. Member of the Continental Congress
3. Minister to France and England
4. 1st Vice President

2. Which incident and act of legislation defined the Adams presidency?
XYZ Affair- French disrespect and bribery
Alien and Sedition Acts-restricted rights of citizens
Adams is considered the father of the navy.

3. More trouble with England and France…
France doesn’t like Jay’s Treaty with Britain and Adams sends diplomats there to try to avoid war.
They are met by officials known as X, Y, and Z who demand a bribe to see Talleyrand. War never happened, but Americans were outraged
over the XYZ Affair.

4. The Alien and Sedition Acts
Many people continued to criticize the government, so Adams pushed through a series of laws that made it harder to become a citizen or criticize the government.
Why were people against these laws?
Violation of the 1st Amendment!

5. Democratic Republicans Respond
Jefferson and Madison counter with the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions saying that states could nullify a federal law that is unconstitutional.
Can states do this? NO
What body can rule laws unconstitutional? Supreme Court since 1803 and Marbury v. Madison

6. Midnight Judges Read the case of Marbury v. Madison
Adams tries to expand the power of the Central Government.
Adams signs and seals the appointment of a number of new judges as his last act before Jefferson takes office.
William Marbury’s appointment, as a new judge, is never delivered. Jefferson refuses to accept appoints made by Adams.