Quiz on John Adams and the XYZ Affair

What crisis did John Adams face soon after taking office?

• Economic recession

• Conflict with France

• Civil war

• Natural disaster

What event in 1797 involved French ships seizing American ships?

• The Boston Tea Party

• The XYZ Affair

• The Quasi-War

• The War of 1812

What was the XYZ Affair?

• A trade agreement

• A political and diplomatic episode

• A peace treaty

• A military alliance

Why did Adams refuse to declare war on France?

• He wanted to expand territory

• He wanted to keep the country out of European affairs

• He was allied with France

• He lacked military resources

Why did many Federalists criticize Adams?

• They wanted to support France

• They hoped a war would weaken the Democratic Republicans

• They wanted to increase taxes

• They opposed the Constitution

What power did the Alien Act give to the President?

• The power to declare war

• The power to expel foreigners

• The power to raise taxes

• The power to veto laws

What did the Sedition Act make illegal?

• Criticizing the government

• Owning land

• Trading with France

• Voting in elections

How did the Democratic Republicans react to the Alien and Sedition Acts?

• They supported the acts

• They claimed it violated free speech

• They ignored the acts

• They enforced the acts

What mnemonic helps students recall the Alien and Sedition Acts?

• Aliens Must Stay, and Critics Must Pay

• Aliens Can’t Stay, and Critics Must Pay

• Aliens Can Stay, and Critics Must Play

• Aliens Must Go, and Critics Must Stay

Who bitterly opposed the Alien and Sedition Acts?

• President Adams

• Vice President Jefferson

• Secretary Hamilton

• Chief Justice Marshall