Early Nationhood and Identity

Front

What position did John Adams hold before becoming president?

Back

Vice President

Answer explanation

Before becoming president, John Adams served as Vice President under George Washington from 1789 to 1797. This role positioned him as the second-highest official in the U.S. government prior to his presidency.

Front

What political party was Adams a member of?

Back

Federalist

Answer explanation

Adams was a prominent member of the Federalist Party, which supported a strong central government and was one of the first political parties in the United States, contrasting with the Democratic-Republicans.

Front

How many terms did John Adams serve as president?

Back

1

Answer explanation

John Adams served as the second president of the United States from 1797 to 1801, completing only one term. Therefore, the correct answer is 1.

Front

Which political party supported a loose interpretation of the Constitution?

Back

Federalists

Answer explanation

The Federalists supported a loose interpretation of the Constitution, believing it allowed for a broader scope of federal power. In contrast, the Democratic-Republicans favored a strict interpretation.

Front

Which political party wanted a weak federal government?

Back

Democratic-Republicans

Answer explanation

The Democratic-Republicans favored a weak federal government, advocating for states' rights and limited federal power, in contrast to the Federalists who supported a stronger central government.

Front

What was the purpose of Jay's Treaty?

Back

Remove British forts from the Northwest Territory

Answer explanation

Jay's Treaty aimed to resolve issues between the U.S. and Britain, primarily to remove British forts from the Northwest Territory, which was crucial for American expansion and security.

Front

The XYZ Affair controversy happened because....

Back

French diplomats demanded a bribe to meet with American diplomats

Answer explanation

The XYZ Affair arose when French diplomats demanded a bribe from American diplomats to engage in negotiations, leading to widespread outrage in the U.S. This was a key factor in the diplomatic crisis between the two nations.

Front

Why would John Adams have supported the Alien Act?

Back

Many immigrants favored the Democratic-Republicans and supported France

Answer explanation

John Adams likely supported the Alien Act because many immigrants favored the Democratic-Republicans, who were pro-France. This posed a political threat to Adams and the Federalists, prompting the need for stricter immigration controls.

Front

What was the purpose of the Sedition Act?

Back

To prevent people from criticizing the government

Answer explanation

The Sedition Act aimed to suppress dissent by making it illegal to criticize the government, thereby limiting free speech during a time of political tension.

Front

What was the purpose of the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions?

Back

Argued for a stricter interpretation of the Constitution and the ability of states to ignore a federal law that was tyrannical.

Answer explanation

The Kentucky and Virginia resolutions asserted that states could interpret the Constitution strictly and reject federal laws deemed tyrannical, emphasizing states' rights over federal authority.