Alien and Sedition Acts

Q: What were the Alien and Sedition Acts?

The Alien and Sedition Acts were four acts passed by John Adams and the Federalist-controlled Congress in 1798, which restricted immigration and free speech in the United States. They included the Naturalization Act, Alien Friends Act, Alien Enemies Act, and Sedition Act.

Q: Who passed the Alien and Sedition Acts?

The Alien and Sedition Acts were passed by the Federalist-controlled US Congress and were signed by President John Adams.

Q: Which of the Alien and Sedition Acts remains in effect?

Of the four Alien and Sedition Acts, only one - the Alien Enemies Act - remains in effect. This act allows the US president to detain or deport non-citizens who come from a country with which the US is actively at war.

Harrison W. Mark

Alien and Sedition Acts

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Definition

The Alien and Sedition Acts were four laws passed by President John Adams and the Federalist-controlled Congress in 1798 that restricted immigration and free speech in the United States. Framed by the Federalist Party as a necessary measure to protect national security during the Quasi-War (1798-1800), the acts were deeply controversial and were challenged as being unconstitutional.

More about: Alien and Sedition Acts

Timeline

18 Jun 1798 - 14 Jul 1798
President Adams and the Federalist-controlled Congress enact the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts.

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