USA HISTORY

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MAKING OF A NEW NATION 1776 1800

PRESIDENT JOHN ADAMS FROM ALIEN AND SEDITION ACTS TO XYZ AFFAIR

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Directions:The text below is taken from legislation that was passed during John Adams’ presidency in the lead-up to war with France. Use the text to answer any questions that follow.SECT. 2. And be it further enacted, That if any person shall write, print, utter, or publish, or shall cause or procure to be written, printed, uttered, or published, 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, or either House of the Congress of the United States, or the President of the United States, with intent to defame the said government, or either House of the said Congress, or the said President ____ then such person, being thereof convicted before any court of the United States having jurisdiction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars, and by imprisonment not exceeding two years.Although its supporters would have claimed that its purpose was to promote the peace, safety, and strength of the United States as it prepared for war with France, what was the true motivation behind passage of this legislation?
A
to silence and weaken the Democratic-Republican Party
B
to trick the French into thinking Americans were opposed to war
C
to make it easier for French nationals to surrender to the government
D
to make it more difficult for Federalist members of Congress to be re-elected
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -All French treaties between the United States and France are declared null and void by vote in Congress, most notably the 1778 Treaty of Alliance. Congress adopts the Sedition Act, the fourth and last of the Alien and Sedition acts.

Detailed explanation-2: -John Adams called the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 “war measures.” To opponents, they were unconstitutional and indefensible. To supporters, they protected the very foundations of the nation.

Detailed explanation-3: -But they did so on September thirtieth, 1800. After several years of bitter political struggle at home, President Adams finally prevented war with France. Later he wrote: “There is one thing I would like to be remembered for more than anything else. I gave myself the task of making peace with France.

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