What sort of men were Adams and Jefferson, and how did their experiences shape them? What sort of men were Aaron Burr, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison, and what sort of accomplishments and records did they have?
Describe Hamilton's plans for the new government and explain why there were controversial. Why did Madison and Jefferson plan to stop them?
Describe the impact of foreign events and the Whiskey Rebellion on President George Washington and his administration.
Why did Adams and Jefferson decide to run for President in 1796? What was the election like, and what was its outcome and consequences?
Explain the difficult situation that foreign affairs put the United States in during Adams's administration. How did Adams steer a middle course? Why did the Republicans raise a strong opposition? How did Federalists respond to Republican opposition? [You might also note the parallel with some contemporary political figures who also use patriotism to label their opponents "traitors" and try to silence or discredit voices in the press with whom they disagree.]
How did Adams deal with changes in French policy, and what political risks did he take? [You should know that Napoleon Bonaparte (also spelled "Buonaparte") was a brilliant and successful French Revolutionary general who, in a 1799 coup, had installed himself as leader of the French Republic for life, and would make himself emperor in 1804. No wonder Americans mistrusted leaders of standing armies.] How was he opposed by both Republicans and Hamilton? Describe the policy and Cabinet changes Adams made in the run up to the election of 1800. Explain the political situation. Why were Federalists losing popular support?
Identify James Callender. Describe the strategies and rhetoric of Republicans and Federalists in the election. How did the election unfold, and with what surprises? How was Hamilton partly resonsible for the results? How was the election similar to 1796, and how different?
Explain how the election would be decided. Which party had the power to select the President? How did events play out? Were deals made? What role did Burr play and what were the consequences of his actions? Identify James Bayard and his crucial vote.
What was the Treaty of Mortefontaine (or Convention of 1800)? Who were the "midnight judges"? Describe Jefferson's message in his Inaugural Address. Why did he call the election "the revolution of 1800"? How revolutionary was it? Describe the changing relationship between Adams and Jefferson in their last years, their deaths, and their memory.