The American Revolution for Kids - John Adams, 2nd President of the United States, Founding Father) Illustration

The American Revolution for Kids - John Adams

For Kids: John Adams was the second president of the United States of America. He was one of the leaders of the American Revolution. He had planned to retire from public service after the American Revolution was concluded. But George Washington was elected president. He had selected John Adams as his vice president. John Adams went on after that to be elected elected president as well, the 2nd second president of the United States.

John Adams served only one term as president. John Adams was a Federalist. He believed in a strong Federal government. He passed some laws that he felt would strengthen the Federal government. These laws were in conflict with the First Amendment of the US Constitution. Thomas Jefferson at the time, was the vice president of the United States, serving under Adams. Thomas Jefferson found Adams new laws to be totally unacceptable. (So did the majority of the American public.) Thomas Jefferson believed in the importance of protecting the Bill of Rights and protecting the Constitution. He also believed in strong state goverments.Thomas Jefferson was the vice president at the time, serving under John Adams. Still, when election time rolled around, instead of running for a second term as vice president, Thomas Jefferson decided to run against Adams for president, and he won

John Adams was a very important man during his time. He was one of the founding fathers of the United States. Yet today, most people don't know much about him. They don't know he was cranky and stubborn, and honest and wise. He was a lawyer, a very good lawyer. He successfully defended the British soldiers who had shot into the crowd during the Boston Massacre from the serious charge of murder. He had eight kids and an incredible wife in Abigail Adams.

Abigail Adams, his wife, was the first second lady, and the second first lady. From History Happens: "Abigail Adams was a strong capable woman raising a family in uncertain times. She believed in education and rights for women, opposed slavery, and left her own separate will, even though the law at that time did not allow for such a thing." History Happens (short video)

Learn more about John Adams in the links below.

John Adams biography

Game: John Adams, matching

Famous People of the Revolutionary War for Kids

John Quincy Adams was John and Abigail's son. He was elected as the 6th president of the United States.