Alien and Sedition Acts

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Alien and Sedition Acts
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Text from Document

• If any persons shall unlawfully combine or
  conspire together, with intent to oppose any
  measure or measures of the government of the
  United States, he or they shall be deemed guilty
  of a high misdemeanor.

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Main Idea

• Due to threat of war with France, John Adams
  passed 4 laws collectively known as the Alien and
  Sedition Acts to quell political opposition from
  Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson.

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Inferences

• Many Americans questioned the constitutionality
  of these laws.
• Public opposition to the Alien and Sedition Acts
  was so great that they were in part responsible
  for the election of Thomas Jefferson, a
  Republican, to the presidency in 1800.
• Once in office, Jefferson pardoned all those
  convicted under the Sedition Act, while Congress
  restored all fines paid with interest.

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Point of View of Bias

• Jefferson and Adams were bitter enemies and
  Adams, who approved the amendment, wanted to
  destroy Thomas Jefferson's Republican Party which
  supported the French Revolutionaries.