My class has an upcomming DBQ so Im making this post to help everyone about a bit. Ill know the question on Monday so it will get more specific monday night. Feel free to post aditional info here to help everyone out.

The debate over the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 revealed bitter controversies on a number of issues. Discuss the issues involved and explain why these convtroversies developed

Alien and Sedition Acts (all four)
consist of four laws passed by the Federalist Congress
signed by President Adams in 1798
Congress dominated by the Federalists
Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were prominant enemies of the Acts
widely unpopular and played major role in downfall of Federalist party
passed to restrict rights of aliens (presumed to be potential Republican voters or French radicals)
Adams refused to enforce any of teh Alien Acts
Congress passed the laws to protect national security (looming war w/ France)
similar (but not as stringent) laws passed around same time in Britain and Canada
majority of immigrants became Democratic-Republicans

Alien Act
empowered the president to arrest and deport dangerous aliens
response to the XYZ Affair
aimed at French and Irish immigrants, who were considered subversives
expired in 1800

Naturalization Act
increased waiting period for immigrants to become citizens from 5 to 14 years
response to the XYZ Affair
aimed at French and Irish immigrants, who were considered subversives
repealed in 1802
intended to decrease number of voters that disagreed with Federalist political party

Alien Enemy Act
allowed arrest and deportation of citizens of countries at war with the US
response to the XYZ Affair
aimed at French and Irish immigrants, who were considered subversives
expired in 1801

Sedition Act
illegal to publish defamatory statements about federal government or its officials
attempt by Federalists to stifle Democratic-Republican opposition
25 people were arrested, but only 10 people were ever convicted
punishment: imprisonment for up to five years and fines up to $5000
Act did not prohibit criticism of the Vice-President
required the defamatory words printed to be false

The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
attacked the interpretation of especially the Sedition Act
initiated the concept of "nullification" of federal laws
drafted by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison
part of campaigns to protest Federalist Party
claimed Acts were violation of civil liberties and freedom of the press clause of 1st Amendment
precedents to justify doctrine of nullification (principle that states could nullify federal laws)
major help in getting TJ elected in 1800

subversives - people who intended to overthrow or undermine an established government
alien - owing political allegiance to another country or government; foreign

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