John Adams Presidences

Adams's midnight appointments

Last-minute appointments by John Adams in 1801 to fill judicial positions with Federalists, sparking the landmark case Marbury v. Madison establishing judicial review.

The XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident between France and the United States in 1797, where French diplomats demanded bribes from American envoys, leading to anti-French sentiment in the US.

Jay's Treaty

An agreement negotiated by John Jay in 1794 with Britain, removing British forts from the Northwest Territory of the US and aiming for free trade, causing tensions with France.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed in 1798 targeting non-citizens deemed security threats (Alien Act) and punishing those criticizing the government (Sedition Act), leading to the arrest of dissenters.

Kentucky and Virginia resolutions

Resolutions penned by Jefferson and Madison in 1798, asserting states' rights to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional, challenging federal power.

John Adams

Second US President and first Federalist President, known for his role in the XYZ Affair and Alien and sedition Acts

Marbury v. Madison

1803 Supreme court case establishing Judicial review, allowing the court to invalidate laws violating the Constitution