1. Presidency of John Adams 1796 -- 1800 Nations first 2 presidents were chosen as the best leaders for the country! By the 3 rd election (1796) political parties had become a part of the political process Republicans supported Jefferson  farmers from the West and South Federalists supported John Adams  appealed to lawyers, merchants, ship owners and business people from the North Adams won by 3 votes, Jefferson came in 2 nd and became VP-top 2 leaders were from opposing pol. Parties.

2. Alien and Sedition Acts At first 2 men tried to work together  Party violence made cooperation useless Federalist in Congress passed 4 controversial laws Claimed laws were needed as protection against foreigners who might threaten the nation – Real purpose was to make life difficult for the Federalists’ rivals, the Republicans

3. Alien Acts 3 of the laws were directed at aliens (non- citizens) 1 st Law: extended time it took to become a citizen (immigrants voted Republican) 2 nd & 3 rd laws: President could deport immigrants suspected of causing trouble – Weren't really enforced, but scared some people

4. Sedition Acts Sedition: crime of encouraging rebellion against the government This act made sedition a crime  it included printing, writing, or speaking in a malicious was against the government – Is this constitutional, what amendment does this remind you of? Used law to punish Republican newspaper editor who insulted Adams 25 arrested/10 convicted of seditious opinions

5. Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions Republicans viewed sedition acts as an attack on free speech/press  looked to states to protect these freedoms Jefferson/Madison wrote resolutions to oppose the Alien/Sedition Acts Argued congress had gone beyond Constitution in passing these acts States had a duty to nullify the laws-declare them to be without legal force. – Only Virginia and Kentucky adopted the resolutions-rights not specifically given to the federal government belong to the states (states’ rights theory)

6. Election of 1800 Republicans  backed Jefferson and Aaron Burr Jefferson wanted states’ rights/simple gov’t Federalists  backed John Adams and Charles Pinckney – Federalists preferred Hamilton: worked behind the scenes to convince men chosen for the Electoral College to cast pres. Vote for Pinckney. Hamilton wanted to personally guide the new gov’t Adams ran on record of peace/prosperity Campaign run on insults rather than issues

7. A Deadlock and a New Amendment After the Electoral College voted in 1801 it was clear Adams lost, but to whom???? Electors cast 2 votes: Most votes=President/2 nd most=V.P  All Republicans voted for Jefferson and Burr Result was a tie!! If there is a tie votes go to the H.O.R (each state has 1 vote)

8. A Deadlock and a New Amendment (cont’d) Burr  should have told his supporters to vote for Jefferson, as the party wanted He said nothing hoping the election would go his way….after the House voted the was another TIE!!! After 5 days and 35 ballots there was still a tie Hamilton broke the deadlock  Jefferson, he considered to be far less dangerous

9. A Deadlock and a New Amendment (cont’d) 1804-12 th Amendment added Calls for the Electoral College to cast separate ballots for President/VP If no pres. Candidate gets majority, the H.O.R chooses a President from the top 3 candidates If no VP candidate get majority, the Senate chooses Victory for the new system of government!! Power passed hands w/o a single shot!!