John Adams was a politician.
John Adams . Adams 's credentials as a revolutionary secured for him two terms as President George Washington 's vice president ( 1789 to 1797 ) and also his own election in 1796 as the second president . The major accomplishment of his presidency was a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the face of Hamilton 's opposition . He was the first U.S. president to reside in the executive mansion , now known as the White House .