John Adams, who became the second president of the
United States, has been accused by some historians of being
the closest thing America ever had to a dictator or monarch
(Onuf, 1993). Such strong accusations should be examined
in the context of the era in which Mr. Adams lived and
served. A closer examination of the historical events
occurring during his vice presidency and his term as
president, strongly suggests that Adams was not, in fact, a
dictator. Indeed, except for his lack of charisma and political
charm, Adams had a very successful political career before
joining the new national government. He was, moreover,
highly sought after as a public servant during the early
formation of the new federal power (Ferling, 1992). Adams
was a well educated, seasoned patriot, and experienced
diplomat. He was the runner-up in the election in which
George Washington was selected the first United States
President. According to the electoral-college system of that
time, the......
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