Choosing Sides Role Play of John Adams V. Thomas Jefferson

Choosing Sides – role play of John Adams v. Thomas Jefferson

As our new country faced its future, political parties played a role in dividing our nation. The election of John Adams in 1796 and his handlings of the war in Europe played a serious part in America’s foreign policy. Even though the Federalists felt they had won a small war against the Democratic-Republicans by rejecting the bribe from France, it further separated the nation.

Narrator: Boom! Boom! Do you hear that? Boom! That sound is the sound of our trade partner England and our longtime ally, the French, fighting. What are we to do? Let us visit the oval office…

John Adams: I am the Second President of the United States, and I am a true Federalist. The economic success of our country depends on trade. We must further our economy. Good job Washington setting up the Jay’s Treaty. We will continue trade with Britain. That’s final!

Thomas Jefferson: What are you doing? I am the Second Vice President of the United States, and I am a true Democratic-Republican. Our loyalty, as a nation, must be with France. Remember, they’re the ones that helped us during the American Revolution. Jay’s Treaty is ridiculous. Trade with England? Non-sense! If we can’t make it on small farms, as a society, then we don’t need it.

John Adams: Not everyone lives on a plantation, Thomas. Half of our nation favors manufacturing, free enterprise, capitalism - not a rural farming society. Country boy! What are those French doing? Why are they attacking our trade ships going to England?

Thomas Jefferson: That is what I’m trying to explain to you – JOHN! City boy! They helped us, so we should help them fight the English. Britain and France are enemies. If we help one, the other will be upset. Get it now?

John Adams: I’ll send three diplomats over to France for a little talk. Yes, Yes! Wee, Wee!

Thomas Jefferson: Good luck with that.

Narrator: While our diplomats were in France waiting to talk to Talleyrand, the Prime Minister of France, they were asked for a bribe and a loan. The diplomats rejected both and returned to the United States, STANDING UP for the first time to a foreign nation (XYZ Affair). Why is John Adams walking around with his nose in the air? Is he acting proud or something?

John Adams: Alright! Alright! Alright! We did it! We did it! – We stood up to those French and put them in their place. Go Me! My fellow Federalists love me! Thomas Jefferson: And the Democratic-Republicans hate you! What you did was stupid for diplomacy. We should be there for our allies. You have forsaken them in their time of need. The war in Europe has become so intense that French immigrants are arriving here – at least they will find refuge in the United States!

John Adams: Not another word from you. If you say another criticism – I will have you arrested! I am not going to allow that. Those immigrants need to stay in France and not come here to escape their problem. Haven’t you heard of the Alien and Sedition Acts?

Thomas Jefferson: What do you think you’re doing? You’re limiting my speech with this law. You’re breaking the Constitution! I can’t believe this. You are a tyrant, John!

Narrator: To everyone’s surprise, the Alien and Sedition Acts were passed. The Federalist Congress created the bill and the Federalist President Adams signed it into law. When French immigrants fled France because of the war, they were faced with stricter immigration requirements. For example, instead of it taking 5 years to become a citizen it would take 14 years. Why? Most French immigrants would have joined the Democratic-Republican party – remember, D.R.’s were Pro-French.

If people spoke out against the Alien Act then they were hit with the Sedition Act. It was illegal to speak out or criticize the government. The Democratic-Republicans felt that this law was a violation of the Constitution and sought revenge.

Thomas Jefferson: Hey, James Madison. How can we get the Alien and Sedition Acts repealed? We have to do something? Any ideas?

James Madison: Well, I “doodled” a lot of things there in Philadelphia and I also wrote the Bill of Rights. In the eyes of the Constitution, the three branches of government control the actions of the government. Hence, checks and balances. If two branches of government are controlled by the same party, they retain a lot of power! Back in 1787, we had no idea that political parties would have such an impact. So, let me think….Hmmm! I got it…we could use the 10th Amendment!

Thomas Jefferson: How? What does the 10th amendment say?

James Madison: If a State feels the power of the Federal government is becoming too powerful, States are able to CHECK or control the Federal government. If Adams’ is breaking the right of the STATE, then the States should act now.

Thomas Jefferson: So, let’s go find some States that will rise up and fight this tyrannical FEDERAL government. Narrator: Jefferson and Madison did just that. They found Virginia and Kentucky as two states that would challenge the constitutionality of the Alien and Sedition Acts. The good news, if this law would have gone to the Supreme Court, it would have shown that States had a right to challenge the power of the Federal government – showing States’ rights!

The even better news – people of the United States saw the actions of Adams impeding on their rights. Adams lost the 1800 election, and the Federalist Party lost support. Thomas Jefferson, a Democratic-Republican won the presidency in 1800. The D.R.’s also won the majority of both houses in the legislative branch. They controlled two out of three branches. So, now what?

John Adams: What, I’m out (crying). Before I go, I will do something that will maintain Federalist control in the Judicial Branch but what? Hmmm…the Midnight Judges.

Thomas Jefferson: Yes, the crazy man is out and I am in. We used to be BFF’s. I don’t know what happened. What if we died on the same day? Now, that is a crazy thought. Anyways… How am I going to handle the war between France and England? I got it. Where’s my pet turtle, Maximus! I will pass the Embargo Act and we will not trade with anyone. Who needs England? Who needs France? Americans will live as small farming societies. Maybe, I’m a country boy after all! Maybe neutrality is the best policy.

Narrator: As John Adams compiled his list of Federalist Judges to take as many posts as possible, time was running out. He needed to nominate them, get them approved, and into the position before the expiration of his Presidency. One candidate received his letter but did not receive his appointment. His name was William Marbury.

William Marbury: Alright, Alright, Alright! I’m going to be a judge. Oops, times up. President Adams is not the President anymore. Now, its Jefferson’s turn. I will go to Washington to see James Madison, the new Secretary of State, to receive my judges’ appointment. I can’t wait. (he travels to Washington, D.C.)

Madison: And who are you?

Marbury: I’m William Marbury and I’m here for my appointment as a Federal Judge of the District of Columbia.

Madison: And who appointed you?

Marbury: I’ve got it right here (pulls out a letter). This letter is from the great man, John Adams. He appointed me to this position. Madison: I’m very sorry but the hour glass has emptied. Time is up. The race is over! Get it!

Marbury: No, not exactly. I want my commission and you will give it to me.

Madison: No.

Marbury: Yes, you will.

Madison: Sue me. You won’t!

Marbury: I guess I will.

Narrator: Marbury took his case straight to the Supreme Court. The newly appointed Chief Justice, John Marshall, had to make a decision on the case. Many people felt that Marshall would have made a “Federalist” move and allow Marbury his commission; however, Marshall wanted to act fairly on the principle of law. After studying the Constitution, Marshall denied Marbury the commission. Marbury was shocked, so was John Adams. The significance of the court case, Marbury v. Madison signifies the power of Judicial Review. Let me say that again, JUDICIAL REVIEW. The power of the judicial branch is to check on all actions of the other two branches. If one branch tries to pass law that violate the Constitution, it is up to the judicial branch to rule it unconstitutional.

Back at Monticello, his plantation in Virginia, Jefferson steps down after two terms.

Jefferson: What! Is this a letter from John Adams? (he opens the letter, dated January 1, 1812). “My dear friend Thomas, congratulations on your departure from the Presidency. I wish you great years to come.” Is he mad, is this a New Year’s resolution or is he sincere? Let me respond. “Dear John….How’s Massachusetts, Abigail, and John Quincy doing?...”

Adams: Look at this…he responded! I knew I would get him back on my side. Let me return correspondence…”Dear Thomas, remember our fight for the cause of freedom, I’ve lost Abigail –she’s with the angels, and by the way, how’s the violin?”

Narrator: The letters between the two old friends continued for 14 years. They wrote about their young and honorable move for independence. Finally on July 4, 1826, (yes, JULY 4th, the adoption of what important paper, the one that both had an impact on writing) at the age of 90, Adams lay on his deathbed while the country celebrated Independence Day. His last words were Thomas Jefferson still survives. He was mistaken: Jefferson had died five hours earlier at Monticello at the age of 82.