Final answer:
John Adams served as the second President of the United States. He was a Harvard lawyer, defended British soldiers after the Boston Massacre, and served as a delegate to the Continental Congress and committee to write the Declaration of Independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Adams served as the second President of the United States.
Adams was a Harvard lawyer who defended the British soldiers after the Boston Massacre. He served as a delegate to both Continental Congresses and was on the committee to write the Declaration of Independence. Before becoming president, Adams also served as the first Vice President of the United States.
During his presidency, Adams tried to maintain neutrality with England and France, even though the French attempted a bribe during the XYZ Affair. He is criticized for signing the Alien and Sedition Acts which many said violated civil liberties. Adams was defeated by Thomas Jefferson in 1800 when he ran for a second term.