John Adams (1735-1826), the second President of the United States, was a founder whose writings shaped the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Born in Massachusetts, Adams entered college at 16 and quickly became a distinguished scholar. After becoming a lawyer, Adams helped organize opposition to the Stamp Act. Massachusetts elected him as a delegate to both Continental Congresses. Though he initially hoped reconciliation with Britain was possible, by end of the Congresses he agreed that separation was necessary. Adams helped Thomas Jefferson draft the Declaration of Independence and argued successfully for its passage. In 1776, Adams wrote Thoughts on Government, a pamphlet which influenced the framing of many state constitutions and, eventually, the United States Constitution. During and after the war, Adams served as a diplomat to France and The Netherlands. When he returned, he was elected Vice President, the first to hold the position. Adams went on to be elected President in 1798, though his tenure in office was largely unpopular and marred by a partisan split between him and his Vice-President, Thomas Jefferson. Adams retired to his farm in Massachusetts and later healed his relationship with Jefferson, dying on the same day as his friend on the fourth of July 1826.