For his role in the Amistad affair.

Quincy brought a lot to the Presidency. In terms of experience, knowledge and background, Quincy was exactly what the Founders have envisioned for the job. However, like many one term presidents, he fell because he failed to understand the political change which was around the horizon. Lets start with the fact that his Presidency was already born under a cloud, for Andrew Jackson had beaten him in the Popular vote by a large margin in 1824. Quincy only won because the election was decided in the House after a deadlock in the Electoral College, the only time that this happened in American History. We actually came very close to this outcome in 2000. After a lot horse-trading, Quincy came out on top. In many respects, he had a very turmultuous Presidency. The populism which Andrew Jackson represented was the dominant political force at the time. Quincy was a representative of the older generation that didn't understand the new dynamics which were informing the politics of the times. It was truly unfortunate, for if Quincy had been President ten years earlier, history would have treated him much better.

Way above average but his presidency was born dead due to Andrew Jackson's implacable opposition.

One of my favorite presidents, not for his accomplishments, which are quite frankly few in number, but for his vision. He was truly one of the first visionaries to occupy the Oval Office. The controversial election of 1824 and his inability to understand the political realties of the time ultimately contributed to his ineffectiveness as a leader. Nonetheless, his envisionment of a nation of power, prosperity and freedom is what drove him. His political courage and acticvism during a time of overwhelming content among the public is truly admirable. Up to the very end, JQ Adams was a man of impeccable principles and convictions. When measuring in terms of real accomplishments, Adams doesn't fare too well compared to others on this list. That is why he is more fondly remembered for his tenure as Secretary of State, during which time he proved himself to be an incredibly astute diplomat and architect of foreign policy. Nonetheless, he is to be commended, as president, for his vision for the nation- a vision that eventually was fulfilled at every turn.

He was one of America's most effective secretaries of state, but he wasn't that strong of a president. He was one of those Americans, like Taft and Hoover, who would have had very successful political career if only he had never been president.