The three most important things to Evaluate John Adams domestic polices, were, he kept George Washington's cabinet intact, used dirty politics and Anti-French sentiments to gain support; his administration imposed Alien Sedition Acts.
John Adams governed with George Washington's cabinet. "Thus Adams kept the cabinet intact, despite its key members" allegiance to his chief rival, Alexander Hamilton." (Norton, p.208) He believed in Washington's ideas. He understood that the President should be above politics. Even though his cabinet's majority had loyalty for Hamilton or the Democratic-Republican Party, he knew they were the perfect individuals for the job.
He used dirty politics and Anti-French sentiments to gain support. During presidency of John Adams the conflict between France started. At start of the conflict he recommended the congress to increase the defense of the country, to prevent French invasions on United States. After he sent commissioners to negotiate with France, congress believed that he purposely sabotages the negotiation and asked him to release the reports. He released the reports but withheld the names of the French agents, knowing the reports will benefit him more. .
To deliver final blow to the Democratic-Republican Party, Adams government created the Alien and Sedition Acts. At that time, a lot of immigrants were supporter of Democratic-Republicans. To prevent them from coming, the Alien and Sedition Acts requires them to register with the federal government. These acts also fined or imprisoned any one who, conspired to prevent the enforcement of federal laws. It also put a limit on free speech. Any statement against government was a crime. The sedition act led to fifteen indictments and ten convictions.
In conclusion, John Adams was a passive leader, who took aggressive steps during his presidency. He kept George Washington's cabinet intact, used dirty politics and Anti-French sentiments to gain support; his administration imposed Alien Sedition Acts.