Alien and Sedition Acts
Nullify
Cancel
States rights theory
Each state decided if the federal government it went beyond its constitutional powers. States could decide whether or not to obey such laws.
Alien act
Gave the president power to deport any foreigner he felt was dangerous
Alien enemies act
Allowed U.S. government to arrest and deport all aliens who are citizens of countries that are at war with the U.S.
Kentucky and Virginia resolutions
people of each state had the right to nullify a federal law within that State
Madison and Jefferson
were against the alien and sedition act. They passed two resolutions: the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions which claimed that alien and sedition acts could not be put into action because they were in violation of the Constitution: First Amendment, free speech, press etc.
Alien and Sedition Acts
1798 Acts passed by federalists giving the government power to imprison or deport foreign citizens and prosecute critics of the government. Later ruled unconstitutional, Andrew Jackson issued blanket pardon in 1801.
Naturalization act
Increased the time required to become a U.S. citizen from 5 to 14 years.
Sedition act
made it a crime to speak or write critically about the President, Congress, Federal government, or federal laws. It's purpose was to silence criticism.