Making the Presidency: John Adams and the Precedents That Forged the Republic

National Archives Building

Author Lindsay M. Chervinsky and Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan will discuss President John Adams and the second US presidency, the unique challenges faced by Adams, and how he shaped the office for his successors. Adams would rely on his ideas about executive power, the Constitution, politics, and the state of the world to navigate the hurdles of the position. He defended the presidency from his own often obstructionist cabinet, protected the nation from foreign attacks, and forged trust and dedication to election integrity and the peaceful transfer of power between parties.

This program is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation, through the generous support of Comcast Corporation and Microsoft Corporation.