A 5th Edit of my 3 Paragraph Abstract

ABSTRACT

This dissertation examines the writings of John Adams in light of the political circumstances they address. It considers Adams’ ability to recognize enduring political problems as they manifested themselves in the problems of his time. Adams’ writing describes potential maladies associated with democracies of the past and offers warnings for those who seek to establish such governments in the present and future as well. Adams’ political thought offers some remedies to the perennial difficulties associated with free government. This study presents some of the solutions proposed by John Adams’ political works and compares the theoretical understanding of the problems with the actions undertaken by John Adams as a political leader.

This study finds several instances where Adams’ political writings tend to undermine him as a political actor. His consideration of democracy’s shortcomings offered ammunition to political rivals who wished to portray him as a monarchist. Adams’ ability to point out the flaws of the revolutionaries in France allowed some American editors and politicians to portray him as an ally of the British. What may be more surprising than this is Adams’ inability to follow some of his own theoretical advice when he became the second president of the United States. One of Adams’ recommendations for preserving republican government is a strong executive office. However, reflecting on the Adams administration, one is reminded that he retained several officials that remained loyal to George Washington, not to mention Vice President Jefferson who demonstrated early on that he would not be participating in a Federalist led administration.

John Adams the writer and John Adams the statesman offer the student of political philosophy a unique opportunity to consider the tension between theory and practice. Well-conceived theoretical works do not seem to guarantee the author success in the political arena. In the case of Adams, it is more than the case of a political thinker saying “unpopular” things and later being taken to task by political adversaries, although that is part of the story. Circumstances, the necessities of holding political office, and practical obstacles make it nearly impossible for Adams as president to follow the advice of Adams the political thinker. It may go too far to conclude that the theoretical approach of John Adams simply does not serve the practical political needs of leading a government like that of the United States. Seeing the dilemmas addressed by Adams the writer and how they unfold for Adams the statesman allows the careful student of political philosophy to assess theory as a guidepost and a problem for acting in the political world.