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The Alien and Sedition Acts were a set of four laws enacted in 1798 that applied restrictions to immigration and speech in the United States.
Nov 9, 2009 · Learn about the four laws passed by the Federalist Congress in 1798 to restrict foreigners and critics of the Adams administration. Find out how they sparked opposition from the Democratic-Republicans and challenged the constitutional balance of power.
- 4 min
Alien and Sedition Acts, four internal security laws passed by the U.S. Congress in 1798, restricting aliens and curtailing the excesses of an unrestrained press, in anticipation of an expected war with France as a result of the XYZ Affair (1797).
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Jul 27, 2023 · Learn about the four laws passed by the Federalist-controlled Congress in 1798 to restrict foreign-born Americans and limit speech critical of the government. See the full text of the Alien Act, the Alien Enemies Act, and the Sedition Act.
Mar 14, 2024 · Learn about the four laws passed by the Federalist-controlled Congress and President John Adams in 1798 to reduce foreign influence and criticism. Find out how they sparked opposition, controversy, and the rise of the Democratic-Republican Party.
- Randal Rust
Learn about the controversial laws passed by the Federalist Congress and President Adams to suppress political opposition and control immigration. Read the full text of the Acts and their historical context, challenges, and legacy.
A series of laws known collectively as the Alien and Sedition Acts were passed by the Federalist Congress in 1798 and signed into law by President Adams. These laws included new powers to deport foreigners as well as making it harder for new immigrants to vote.
