Based on Joh Adam's full text on archive.org, is being President of the Senate. He described that he lost significance after having the role in a letter to Abigail. He described his position being held by the interest of other people. Being aware of political happenings and what would happen that the President would enter a war. He stands witness and said to have no power to do good nor evil.
Government reform
...A main objective of the Progressive Era movement was to eliminate corruption within the government. They made it a point to also focus on family, education, and many other important aspects that still are enforced today.
