John Adams (1735–1826) was the second president of the United States and a leading Federalist. A lawyer, diplomat, and Founding Father, he helped secure American independence and served as George Washington's vice president.
Adams was a prominent advocate for independence, a diplomat who helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris (1783), and an influential early statesman who helped shape constitutional government.
As president he strengthened federal institutions, appointed John Marshall to the Supreme Court, and steered the nation away from full-scale war with France; his support for the Alien and Sedition Acts, however, left a contested legacy on civil liberties.
Negotiated the 1783 Treaty of Paris; Served as George Washington's vice president; Elected second U.S. president (1797–1801); Signed the Alien and Sedition Acts; Avoided all-out war with France during the Quasi-War; Appointed John Marshall as Chief Justice
Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.
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Congress's Act for governing the District of Columbia was approved and placed the federal district under direct congressional jurisdiction.
William Marbury filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking a writ of mandamus to compel Secretary of State James Madison to deliver his commission as justice of the peace, a commission signed and sealed during John Adams's final days in office.
After a contingent election in the House following the electoral tie between Jefferson and Aaron Burr, the House chose Thomas Jefferson as President on February 17, 1801.
After signing the Judiciary Act, President John Adams signed and sealed a number of judicial commissions on February 13, 1801, appointing Federalist judges to newly created circuit and district offices (the so‑called 'midnight judges').
President Adams signed the Judiciary Act of 1801, reorganizing the federal judiciary and creating new circuit judgeships.
The U.S. House convened to begin the contingent election required by the Constitution, initiating multiple ballots to choose between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr after the Electoral College tie.
John Marshall took the oath of office and assumed the role of Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
The U.S. Senate confirmed John Marshall to serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court on January 27, 1801.
On 1801-01-20 President John Adams nominated John Marshall to serve as Chief Justice of the United States, to succeed Oliver Ellsworth.
Electors met in the states and cast ballots for president, producing an electoral tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr and denying John Adams a majority.
The United States Congress met for the first time in the new federal capital at Washington, D.C., beginning legislative business there.
President John Adams took up residence in the partially completed President's House in Washington, D.C., becoming the first president to live there.