Final answer:
Adams's strong support from the North during the 1796 presidential election seems natural due to the alignment of his Federalist policies with Northern interests, as well as the emerging importance of party affiliations in securing votes.
Step-by-step explanation:
It seems natural that Adams's support came from the North because most voters in that region had a preference for his policies and the Federalist party. In the presidential election of 1796, electoral votes were divided largely on sectional lines, with Adams receiving significant support from the North, while Jefferson was favored in the South. This division reflects the regional differences in political, economic, and social interests. For instance, Adams and political allies like Henry Clay and Daniel Webster supported using federal power to promote economic growth, which likely resonated more with Northern states' preferences during that time period.
Furthermore, the election results also showed a departure from the initial wariness of political factions as foreseen by the nation's founders. Candidates increasingly relied on party support for election success, which also aligns with Adams's strong regional backing. The combination of Adams's political stance and the evolving party system helped to define the natural support he received from the voters in the North.