hington's first presidency of the United States of America. After serving eight years as vice president, in 1797 he succeeded Washington as president. During these years, a debate raged over the proper size and function of the federal government, and two political parties emerged to battle the issue. Adams aligned himself with the Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, who favored a stronger central government. The opposing Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson, were more egalitarian, and favored a sharply limited federal authority. Eventually Adams alienated members of both parties, and left the presidency in bitter disappointment. Adams retired to his Massachusetts farm and quickly regained his stature as one of this country's elder statesmen and a founder of American democracy. However, Adams took particular pleasure in living to see his son, John Quincy Adams , elected president in 1825....
