John Adams (1735-1826) was a statesman, lawyer, writer, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He served as the second president of the United States from 1797 to 1801. Prior to that, he was vice president under George Washington, a delegate to the Continental Congress, and the chief American diplomat in Europe during the Revolution. Adams was a vocal advocate for American independence and played a key role in drafting the Declaration of Independence. His presidency was marked by tensions with France and the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts. Despite his historical significance, Adams is often remembered for his political rivalry with Thomas Jefferson, with whom he shared a long and complex correspondence after leaving office. He died on the same day as the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, an event he helped to create.
Poems List
I am but an ordinary Man. The Times alone have destined me to Fame—and even these have not been able to give me, much. . . . Yet some great Events, some cutting Expressions, some mean Hypocrisies, have at Times, thrown this Assemblage of Sloth, Sleep, and littleness into Rage a little like a Lion.
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The judicial power ought to be distinct from both the legislative and executive, and independent upon both, that so it may be a check upon both, as both should be checks upon that.
4
The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.—I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires, and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
3
The law, in all vicissitudes of government, fluctuations of the passions, or flights of enthusiasm, will preserve a steady undeviating course; it will not bend to the uncertain wishes, imaginations, and wanton tempers of men. . . . On the one hand it is inexorable to the cries and lamentations of the prisoners; on the other it is deaf, deaf as an adder to the clamors of the populace.
4
Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private, and public virtue is the only foundation of republics.
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