Final answer:
John Adams was not reelected due to political divisions, unpopular policies like the Alien and Sedition Acts, and internal Federalist opposition led by Alexander Hamilton. These factors combined with the challenge from Thomas Jefferson resulted in Adams's defeat in the election of 1800.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Adams was not reelected as president in the election of 1800 for several reasons:
- Adams had managed to alienate both Federalists and Republicans by pursuing a moderate course and making decisions that were disliked by both parties.
- His own party disliked his decision to settle with France and to pardon those involved in Fries's Rebellion.
- The opposition party disliked the emergence of a standing army and the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts.
In addition, Alexander Hamilton, a prominent Federalist, led the opposition to Adams and suggested that Adams did not have a talent for administration.