USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Sedition Act forbade anyone from publishing or voicing criticism of federal government. Supported by the Federalists as a way to protect the country from Republican critics.

Detailed explanation-2: -In one of the first tests of freedom of speech, the House passed the Sedition Act, permitting the deportation, fine, or imprisonment of anyone deemed a threat or publishing “false, scandalous, or malicious writing” against the government of the United States.

Detailed explanation-3: -Most importantly, Congress passed the Sedition Act, which took direct aim at those who spoke out against the president (at the time, Adams) or the Federalist-dominated government.

Detailed explanation-4: -However, a major flaw became apparent after the election of 1796. According to the Constitution each elector cast only one ballot with two names on it. John Adams, a Federalist, received the largest number of votes. Thomas Jefferson, the Democratic Republican, lost to Adams by three votes and became vice-president.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Alien and Sedition acts were set to maintain federalist power as they were the majority by allowing deportation of foreigners and made defamation of the gov’s officials an offense. Therefore, this restricted those who may oppose John Adam’s and the federalists.