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8.C&G.1.2 - Evaluate the degree to which democratic ideals are evident in historical documents from North Carolina and the United States

https://youtu.be/pS9ybtsUSQ4 Links to an external site.

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, you will paraphrase the act into your own words, Re-writing the Act in modern terms.  10pts

Once done, you must describe how this Act enhances (adds to) the Power of the Federal Government [3 sentences Minimum]    5pts

Is this constitutional or Unconstitutional? What Amendment does it Go Against? 10pts

Example:

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

Summary: If you want to become a citizen, then you must declare that 5 years before coming to the United States. Then you now have to live in the United States for not less than 14 years before you can become a citizen of the US. 

Enhanced Fed Power: The Government gains power by restricting citizenship. New Immigrants can not get voting rights for 14 yrs. New immigrants can not be protected under the constitution as it only extends to citizens.

Constitutional - Yes, there is no amendment (yet) that defines citizenship.

Options:

• An Act Respecting Alien Enemies Links to an external site. See the Link Both Sections 1 & 2

• 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 

Recorded Lesson 11/20/20