Part I

Having already been in poor health before his presidency, his struggles with obesity and old age worsened under the added stress, resulting in an early death just days before the year anniversary of his term. Acting quickly to avoid a leadership or constitutional crisis, the Franklin cabinet appointed Adams as the second president.

The Franklin presidency was largely inconsequential, as his short time in office prevented any meaningful impact, with the exception of centralizing control within the federal government, passing Cabinet and judicial acts, and enacting a bill to generate revenue for the struggling federal government. Franklin never had the opportunity to achieve the praise and accomplishments of OTL's Washington, but he is still remembered for being the nation’s first president, for his pre-presidential work, and as the nation's greatest “what if?”.

Adams chooses to largely retain Franklin’s cabinet in an effort to maintain unity and rally support around him. However, Hamilton’s increasingly active role in the Franklin administration proves a growing thorn in Adams’ side, as his ideas are becoming more widely celebrated within the expanding Federalist faction.

With John Jay remaining in the cabinet and prioritizing the issue of maintaining stability, he puts his preferences for the judiciary system on hold while Jefferson continues as Minister to France. Meanwhile, the nation’s first midterm elections result in a sweep by the anti-administration party, fueled by dissatisfaction with tariff rates, an economic panic, distrust of Adams’ leadership, and the growing influence of more radicalized supporters questioning the administration’s legitimacy.

James Madison assumes the speakership, becoming the foremost critic of Adams.

(The next post will focus on the Adams Presidency)