Alien and Sedition Acts

The Alien and Sedition Acts, passed in 1798 by the U.S. Congress, were four laws aimed at increasing national security amid fears of war with France. The Alien Act allowed the government to deport non-citizens deemed dangerous, while the Sedition Act made it a crime to criticize the government or its officials. These laws sparked significant controversy, as many viewed them as a violation of free speech and an overreach of federal power. They contributed to political divisions and debate over civil liberties in the early years of the United States.