Final answer:
The statement that best expresses the main idea of the text is that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson had political disagreements that affected their personal friendship and the American political scene, with Jefferson eventually choosing political leadership over their friendship.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main idea of the text 'Two famous friends' is that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson had a complex relationship where their political disagreements often impacted their personal friendship and the political landscape of the United States. While they initially worked together to secure independence for the nation, their ideological differences became more apparent in the 1790s, with Adams embracing the Federalist agenda and Jefferson opposing a stronger central government. Despite these differences, each earned their fame and recognition as significant figures in the American Revolution. In the presidential election of 1800, political ambitions led Jefferson to prioritize his leadership position in the Republican Party, indicating that he was more concerned with political strategy than maintaining his personal relationship with Adams. The text suggests that, unlike Jefferson, Adams was more inclined to negotiate political differences, as seen when he considered giving Jefferson a significant role in his administration.