Who was the Federalist candidate elected in 1797?

The Federalist candidate elected in 1797 was John Adams. After serving as the first vice president under George Washington, Adams ran for president in the election of 1796. His election marked the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in the young nation’s history, as he was a member of the Federalist Party, which advocated for a strong national government and a loose interpretation of the Constitution.

Adams' presidency was significant in further solidifying the Federalist's political agenda, including the strengthening of the national government and maintaining a neutral stance in foreign affairs. His administration faced challenges such as tensions with France, which contributed to the political divisions in the country.

The other candidates mentioned did not serve as president in this time frame. Thomas Jefferson, a leading figure in the opposing Democratic-Republican Party, did not hold the presidency until 1801. George Washington, the first president, retired after two terms in 1797. James Madison, a fellow Democratic-Republican, would not become president until 1809. Thus, John Adams is correctly identified as the Federalist candidate who took office in 1797.