Alien and Sedition Acts

Nullify

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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.