History John Adams

John Adams

Born in 1735, he was the second president of the United States and a leader in the fight for independence.

Federalists

A political group that believed in a strong central government and a loose interpretation of the Constitution.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident in 1797 where three French diplomats asked for bribes from American diplomats.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed to restrict immigration and limit free speech against the government.

Midnight Judges

Federalist judges appointed by John Adams at the last minute before his presidency ended.

Marbury v. Madison

An important court case resulting from Adams's midnight appointments.

Sedition Act

A law that made it illegal to publish false or negative information about the government.

Loose Interpretation

The belief that the government can take actions not specifically outlined in the Constitution.

Treaty of Paris

The agreement that ended the Revolutionary War, negotiated by John Adams.

Democratic-Republicans

A political party that opposed the Federalists and favored states' rights.