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Exhibit Guide
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 Founding Generation > John Adams John Adams was a forceful advocate for independence in the Continental Congress and was a member of the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. He drafted the Massachusetts state constitution—the oldest written constitution in the world. Thomas Jefferson said this about Adams’ role in securing the adoption of the Declaration of Independence: “No man better merited than John Adams to hold a most conspicuous place in the design. He was the pillar of its support on the floor of Congress; its ablest advocate and defender against the multifarious assaults, which were made against it.” Adams, on the legacy of the Declaration: I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure, that it will cost to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states; yet through all the gloom, I can see the rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the means; and that posterity will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I hope we shall not. Thoughts on the Constitution Adams, a Federalist, was in England when the Constitution was written. He was an advocate for the people maintaining a significant control of government. Adams was a strong proponent of having a bicameral legislature and a strong executive. In support of Constitution, Adams said, “The public mind cannot be occupied about a nobler object than the proposed plan of government. It appears to be admirably calculated to cement all America in affection and interest as one great nation. A result of accommodation and compromise cannot be supposed perfectly to coincide with anyone’s ideas of perfection. But as all the great principles necessary to order, liberty and safety are respected in it, and provision is made for corrections and amendments as they may be found necessary. I confess I hope to hear of its adoption by all the states” He and Jefferson disagreed on the issue of the presidency. Adams said, “You are afraid of one, I the few. We agree perfectly that the many should have full, fair and perfect representation (in the House). You are apprehensive of monarchy; I, of aristocracy. I would therefore have given more power to the President and less to the Senate.” Thoughts on the Bill of Rights and personal liberties As the nation’s first Vice-President, Adams signed the Bill of Rights, but he argued against giving the vote to white men who didn’t own property. One of the most controversial acts during Adams’ presidency was in 1798 when he signed the Alien and Sedition Acts into law. The act limited political free speech by labeling any criticism of government officials as “seditious libel” which was punishable by fines and possibly imprisonment. When British Parliament enacted the Stamp Act in 1765--which taxed colonists on legal documents, newspapers, magazines, and other printed materials—Adams called it unconstitutional and illegal. He urged courts in Massachusetts to remain open in defiance of the Act. He saw taxation as an attack on personal property without necessary consent. As a lawyer himself, Adams believed in the importance of fair representation in court. He represented British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre and secured their acquittal based on his belief that they too were worthy of the right to counsel. Friends and Foes Adams and George Washington were friends. It was Adams who persuaded Congress to name Washington the Commander of the Continental Army in order to promote independence outside of New England. Adams and his wife Abigail were also frequent guests at the home of writer Mercy Otis Warren during the American Revolution. John Adams once remarked to Mercy Otis’ husband, John Warren that their wives had “a share, and no small one either, in the conduct of our American affairs.” The couple maintained a close relationship with the Warrens until after the war when they disagreed politically over the Constitution. Abigail Adams and Mercy Otis Warren eventually reconciled, and although they never formally mended their relationship John Adams was able to publicly acknowledge Warren’s influence on the Revolution. back to Founding Generation |
John Adams biography White House John Adams and the Massachusetts Constitution Massachusetts Judicial Branch Adams Family Papers Massachusetts Historical Society Adams Collection Massachusetts Historical Society Adams National Historic Site National Park Service |
