Adams & Jefferson 1797-1804

Key Figures:
- Thomas Jefferson (former Secretary of State)
- John Adams
Election Characteristics:
- Described as nasty, though personal campaigning was seen as improper.
- Most attacks came from supporters via newspapers rather than the candidates themselves.

Primary source of news in the 1790s, before radio and television.
Newspapers were openly political and often partisan.
- Divided into Federalist and Democratic-Republican newspapers.
Present-day comparison:
- Modern news outlets attempt (sometimes unsuccessfully) to maintain neutrality.
- Social media has led to a resurgence of partisanship similar to historical newspapers.

Attacks on Jefferson:
- Accused of bringing the French Revolution to America and invoking fear of the guillotine.
- Called an atheist due to his deist beliefs, with implications of a lack of traditional Christian values.
Attacks on Adams:
- A vote for Adams was equated to a return to monarchy, suggesting he would make himself king and appoint his son John Quincy Adams as successor.

Adams won by a narrow margin, indicating a tightly contested election:
- Each candidate needed 50.1% of the votes; Adams received 51% to Jefferson's 48%.
- Importance of individual states and their electoral votes.

Jefferson became Vice President despite leading the opposing party.
Issues with this structure highlighted the emerging conflict between political parties.

Adams faced immense pressure as the successor to George Washington, one of the most popular presidents in history.
The Democratic-Republican party had previously stark criticism during Washington's presidency, which intensified with Adams.
Inherited unresolved issues from Washington's presidency, notably regarding foreign relations with France.

Jay's Treaty maintained trading relations with Britain but angered France, leading to a quasi-war (an almost war) from 1797 to 1801
Characteristics of the quasi-war:
- Engaged mostly at sea between American and French ships without direct military conflict on land.
Adams' actions during this time drew criticism from both Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

Alien and Sedition Acts:
- Passed by the Federalists to target Democratic-Republicans and stifle criticism.
- Alien Act: targeted French immigrants.
- Sedition Act: criminalized criticism of government officials; termed treasonous writings.
Constitutional implications:
- Violation of First Amendment rights related to freedom of speech.
- Heavy criticism and potential backfire among the Federalists.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, written by Jefferson and Madison, argued that states could ignore federal laws deemed unconstitutional.
This concept raises issues about state vs. federal power, notably the principle of nullification.

The 1790s viewed as one of the most contentious times in American history, similar tensions seen today.

Election dynamics changed due to internal conflicts within the Federalist party, particularly between Adams and Hamilton.
Jefferson's strategy to win the election:
- Focused efforts on critical states, particularly New York, and secured key political alliances.
The electoral tie with Aaron Burr led to the House of Representatives deciding the outcome after multiple votes.

After winning, Jefferson cut government spending by approximately 50% and reduced taxes.
Inaugural address emphasized unity among citizens: "We are all Federalists, we are all Republicans."
Significant actions during Jefferson's presidency:
- The Louisiana Purchase: doubled the size of the nation.
- Napoleon's role in this transaction; his military actions prompted the sale.
- Challenges faced by Jefferson regarding the constitutional basis for such a purchase led to reliance on implied powers.
Jefferson's popularity grew significantly due to the Louisiana Purchase; he easily secured re-election in 1804.