2. Why did John Adams create several new judicial positions prior to leaving office?

1. **Context and Timing** Prior to leaving office, John Adams faced a political situation where his party, the Federalists, was losing ground, and the incoming administration of Thomas Jefferson (a Democratic-Republican) was poised to take over. Adams wanted to secure a lasting influence for his party even after his term ended. 2. **The Judiciary Act of 1801** Adams and his allies passed the Judiciary Act of 1801, which created several new judicial positions. This act provided the means for Adams to appoint many Federalist judges—often called the "Midnight Judges"—to the federal courts. 3. **Strategic Objective** The main purpose of creating these new judicial positions was to ensure that: - Loyal Federalist judges would occupy key positions in the judiciary. - These judges could potentially check the policies of the incoming Democratic-Republican government. - The Federalists would maintain a measure of influence over federal law even after losing executive power. 4. **Long-Term Influence** By filling these positions with Federalist appointees, Adams aimed to change the balance of power in the federal judiciary. This strategic move was intended to secure the Federalist legacy and influence future interpretations of the law. Thus, John Adams created several new judicial positions prior to leaving office to preserve Federalist influence within the federal judiciary, ensuring that his party's ideals would endure beyond his presidency.