Final answer:
John Adams is remembered as the father of American conservatism because of his support for a strong chief executive and his conservative views on government structure. Despite criticism, his ideas contributed to the development of American conservatism.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Adams is remembered as the father of American conservatism because he supported the creation of a powerful chief executive and believed in conflict between the ordinary and the elite. He felt that only a strong president could effectively mediate disputes and serve the rights of the people. Adams wrote a very conservative constitution, with a bicameral legislature and a powerful governor, that tilted towards the elitists. Although his ideas were criticized by Republican critics who associated them with a desire to reinstate a monarchy, Adams played a significant role in shaping American conservatism.