Question

Why did John Adams seek out the support of Virginia?

A. He was in love with a Virginian.
B. Virginia was facing a political crisis.
C. Virginia had vast reserves of gold.
D. Virginia had a powerful and influential political leadership.

Answer 1

John Adams sought support from Virginia because it had a powerful political leadership, and gaining an ally in Vice President Thomas Jefferson, a Virginian, would be strategically advantageous to navigate his presidency effectively. The correct option is D.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason why John Adams sought out the support of Virginia was D. Virginia had a powerful and influential political leadership. John Adams faced significant challenges at the beginning of his presidency, not least of which was the fact that his Vice President, Thomas Jefferson, was from the opposition party. Adams worked to form a bipartisan approach and develop support for his policies.

Given Virginia's political clout and Jefferson's influence, Adams hoped to enlist Jefferson's help to garner support and perhaps to avoid political isolation in his presidency. Jefferson, from Virginia, was a leading figure in the Republican Party, and his support would be crucial for Adams's administration.

However, the bipartisan partnership that Adams sought was complicated by the political climate and Jefferson’s commitment to his party, leading to a difficult term for Adams with limited support.