Alien and Sedition Act

Alien and Sedition Acts

Open Ended

If you were president, and a foreign nation stole 300 ships, then asked you for money in order to get them back...what would you do?

Open Ended

Americans should have the right to criticize their government at all times because the First Amendment guarantees a right to free speech with few restrictions.

Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Open Ended

Immigrants residing in the United States should have the same exact rights as American citizens.

Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Open Ended

During times of war, the government can do whatever is necessary to protect the American people, as they have ultimate power.

Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Historical Context

XYZ Affair and Alien and Sedition Acts

Historical Context

As a young nation, America’s stance on foreign policy had largely been to adopt and maintain a position of isolationism (a policy of not forming alliances with other nations - see George Washington's Farewell Address).  When President Washington’s ambassador’s negotiated a trade agreement with Great Britain in 1794, other nations in the world were surprised - especially France.  France felt America owed loyalty to the French, as they had come to the aid of Americans during the revolutionary war against Britain. 

Additionally, as a result of many lengthy wars with Great Britain and the French Revolution, France was in deep debt and would have benefited from a new trade agreement.  

Poll

What was United States foreign policy in the early years?

• Neutrality

• War Mongering

• Trade only with China

• Invade South America

Historical Context

To support  their economy, starting in approximately 1795, French navy and French privateers began the practice of impressment: seizing and stealing American trading vessels, their goods, and their sailors.  This angered many Americans and left them afraid of  France.  Hoping to avoid war, President John Adams sent diplomats to France. 

During the meetings, French representatives known as X, Y, and Z demanded a bribe of $10 million.  They also threatened the United States with the “power and violence of France.”

Poll

Now that you have additional context, would you have paid off the French?

• Yes

• No

Historical Context

By 1798, the French Revolution had taken hold in France causing many French citizens to flee to the United States; the number of French citizens living in the United States was estimated to have grown to 25,000. 

As rumors of French invasion and enemy spies living in the United States spread, fear took hold of the young American nation. Congress quickly passed laws in 1798 to make the United States more secure; these were known as the Alien and Sedition Acts. 

These acts were supported by the Federalist party, who believed in a strong central government to protect the rights of the people.  They were not supported by the Republican party, who believed these laws violated the civil rights of Americans and were a sign of the government abusing their power.

Alien and Sedition Acts

SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That whenever there shall be a declared war between the United States and any foreign nation or government, or any invasion...attempted, or threatened against the territory of the United States, by any foreign nation or government...all natives or citizens of the hostile nation or government, being males of the age of fourteen years and upwards, who shall be residing within the United States, and not American citizens, shall be apprehended, restrained, secured and removed, as alien enemies….

Poll

According to this act, in the year 1799, if the United States were to declare war against France, any male citizens of France older than 14 years living in the United States could be arrested and deported.

• True

• False

Open Ended

Do you think that during times of war the government should be granted more power over their citizens? Why or why not?

Alien and Sedition Acts

SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That if any person shall write, print, utter or publish...or shall knowingly and willingly assist or aid in writing, printing, uttering or publishing any false, scandalous and malicious writing or writings against the government of the United States, with intent to defame [damage the reputation of] the said government... to bring them, or either of them, into contempt or disrepute; or to excite against them...the hatred of the good people of the United States... encourage any hostile actions of any foreign nation against United States...shall be punished by a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars, and by imprisonment not exceeding two years. 

Open Ended

The First Amendment to the US Constitution says that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

Based on this, do you think Section 2 of the Sedition act is legal or illegal? Why?

Poll

Would you be willing to give up your freedom of speech during a time of war in exchange for a guarantee of safety?

• Yes

• No