Alien sedition acts

8.C&G.1.2 - Evaluate the degree to which democratic ideals are evident in historical documents from North Carolina and the United States

Signed into law by President John Adams in 1798, the Alien and Sedition Acts consisted of four laws passed by the Federalist-controlled Congress as America prepared for war with France. These acts increased the residency requirement for American citizenship from five to fourteen years, authorized 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. These laws were designed to silence and weaken the Democratic-Republican Party. Negative reaction to the Alien and Sedition Acts helped contribute to the Democratic-Republican victory in the 1800 elections.

Assignment #1: 50 pts

Using 1 of the following links,(include the name of the act for a title) you will paraphrase the act into your own words, Re-writing the Act in modern terms.  20pts

Once done, you must describe how this Act enhances (adds to) the Power of the Federal Government [3 sentences Minimum]    15pts

Is this constitutional or Unconstitutional? What Amendment does it Go Against? 15pts

Options

• An Act to Establish an Uniform Rule of Naturalization (Naturalization Act) Links to an external site.
• An Act Concerning Aliens Links to an external site.

• An Act Respecting Alien Enemies Links to an external site.
• An Act for the Punishment of Certain Crimes against the United States (Sedition Act) Links to an external site.

Submission must be copied into text box