Alien Enemies Act
“The Alien Enemies Act gave the president the power to arrest or expel aliens in time of
‘declared war,’” however this new measure had little effect. The Quasi-war between the U.S. and France was never officially declared. This act gave the president power to expel all possible threats “whom he thought ‘dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States.’” As a result, numerous amounts of aliens fled the country out of fear the act would be put into effect.
The Sedition Act, constitutionally, went against citizens claim to natural right and freedom of speech. Its first section made it illegal to delay or prevent the operation of any law by obstructing them through riot or insurrection. Although this seemed reasonable the act also made
it illegal to publish, “any false criticism of high government officials.” A resolution arguing that the laws were unconstitutional was created by both Jefferson and Madison in 1798.
‘declared war,’” however this new measure had little effect. The Quasi-war between the U.S. and France was never officially declared. This act gave the president power to expel all possible threats “whom he thought ‘dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States.’” As a result, numerous amounts of aliens fled the country out of fear the act would be put into effect.
The Sedition Act, constitutionally, went against citizens claim to natural right and freedom of speech. Its first section made it illegal to delay or prevent the operation of any law by obstructing them through riot or insurrection. Although this seemed reasonable the act also made
it illegal to publish, “any false criticism of high government officials.” A resolution arguing that the laws were unconstitutional was created by both Jefferson and Madison in 1798.