Alien And Sedition Acts Dbq

205 Words1 Pages
The Alien and Sedition Acts passed four laws empowered the president to deport any foreigners who were suspected to be a threat to the security of the nation. The Federalists justified for the Alien and Sedition Acts, claiming that it was indispensable because the nation was on the brink of war, however, the true reason that they passed the Alien and Sedition Acts was to make sure Adams defeat Jefferson in the election (at that time people favored the Republican Party). The Republicans considered it to be unconstitutional because of its violation of the First Amendment and the freedom of speech. However, the Federalists justified that it was indispensable to stifle criticism of the government in time of war because if Americans lost their confidence