The Alien And Sedition Acts - 1274 Words

History is essentially the foundations of humanity. It contains what mankind was, what it is, and often foreshadows what it will be. In the development of a nation, the documents and customs established, set precedents that bury deep within the roots of a nation’s history as it grows in power and strength. In the development of the United States, one such set of acts played a key role in the way unto which this nation was formed and continues to affect it today. The Alien and Sedition Acts changed American ideology in the 18th Century and again influences the nation in the current era. By first understanding what the Alien and Sedition Acts were, how they shaped the nation s development, and their role in America today, the importance and†¦show more content†¦The second and third acts, The Alien Enemies, and Alien Friends Acts, gave the government the power to deport aliens living in the States (â€Å"The Alien,†n.d).Which would allow the government to remove a ny perceived threats or simply anyone that could have been labeled as unpatriotic, without the need for a trial. The fear of a French invasion was so great, that a sense of witch hunt hysteria was spreading through John Adam’s Federalist party. This also allowed the federalist’s the power to remove any immigrants that were in favor of the Democratic-Republican party, thus weakening the party further. Lastly, and certainly the most controversial Act, The Sedition Act, the rights of American citizens themselves were violated by prohibiting assembly â€Å"with intent to oppose any measure †¦ of the government† and made it illegal for any person to â€Å"print, utter, or publish †¦ any false, scandalous, and malicious writing† against the government, or specifically anyone against the Federalist Party† (â€Å"Sedition,†n.d). These laws were the first examples in the United States of controlling immigration and free will, amid fear of foreigners and hysteria, coupled with a willingness to suppress resentment and punish those who spoke out against the Federalist party. Once these laws were put into effect, the results were ever more devastating. By placing the government in a position where administrators were masters of the people, and no longer servants, America returned to the same