Alien and Sedition Acts
Definition
The Alien and Sedition Acts were four laws passed by the Federalist-dominated Congress in 1798 during a time of intense political partisanship. These acts increased the residency requirement for American citizenship, allowed the president to imprison or deport aliens considered "dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States" and restricted speech critical of the government.
Analogy
Think of these acts like strict school rules that limit who can join your club (increased residency requirement), allow your principal to expel students they deem troublesome (imprisonment or deportation), and punish anyone speaking ill about school administration (restricted speech).
Related terms
Naturalization Act: This was one component of the Alien and Sedition Acts which extended the duration immigrants had to live in the U.S. before becoming citizens from 5 years to 14 years.
Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions: These were political statements drafted where states took a stand against federal overreach, specifically against the Alien & Sedition Acts.
First Amendment: Part of Bill of Rights that guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and right to petition. It forbids Congress from both promoting one religion over others as well as restricting an individual’s religious practices. It guarantees freedom of expression by prohibiting Congress from restricting press or rights of individuals to speak freely.
"Alien and Sedition Acts" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Practice Questions (4)
- How did the Alien and Sedition Acts impact the early United States?
- What was the main purpose behind the Federalists' creation of the Alien and Sedition Acts in 1798?
- What did the Alien and Sedition Acts enable President Adams to do?
- How might history differ if President John Adams had not passed the Alien and Sedition Acts?
Resources
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