Section 4 Notes

Chapter 10

During Adams’s tenure, tensions with FRANCE ran high. FRENCH ships harassed American ships in the CARIBBEAN. The FRENCH also had tried to influence the election of 1796 in favor of THOMAS JEFFERSON.

When the two nations met to settle their differences, FRENCH agents offered a peace treaty for a price. The bribery attempt became known as the XYZ AFFAIR. Americans refused to pay, and relations between the two nations worsened.

The UNTIED STATES and FRANCE eventually agreed on terms of peace. Many Americans, however, OPPOSED making peace with FRANCE. The treaty even cost ADAMS the support of his own party.

Adams in Office

In 1798, the Federalist-controlled Congress passed a series of laws aimed at stopping the growth of the DEMOCRATIC-REPUBLICAN PARTY. Together, they were known as the ALIEN AND SEDITION ACTS.

Among other things, the acts made it harder for IMMIGRANTS to become citizens. Many IMMIGRANTS supported the DEMOCRATIC-REPUBLICANS. The acts also made it a crime to speak out AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT.

Critics called the acts a violation of the BILL OF RIGHTS and the liberties of Americans.

The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions of 1798 claimed that the ALIEN AND SEDITION ACTS could not be put into action because they violated the Constitution.

The resolutions argued that states had the right to nullify laws they deemed unconstitutional. This belief is known as STATES’ RIGHTS.

Alien and Sedition Acts

JOHN ADAMS ran for reelection in 1800. His main opponent again was THOMAS JEFFERSON.

The election ended with THOMAS JEFFERSON and AARON BURR receiving the same number of electoral votes. As a result, the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES decided the winner. JEFFERSON was elected President.

Federalists Lose Power; The Election of 1800

Aaron Burr

Despite losing power, the FEDERALISTS had served the nation. They made the government work and gave it a solid financial base. They also won respect from other nations of the world.

Another FEDERALIST legacy was the new capital city, WASHINGTON, D.C. Located between MARYLAND and VIRGINIA, the new city was named after GEORGE WASHINGTON.

The Federalist Legacy

Washington, D.C.

Map of Washington, D.C.

Capitol Building

White House

Supreme Court

Washington Monument

World War II Memorial

Vietnam Veterans Memorial