When freedom of speech was outlawed ... The Alien and Sedition Acts

  • Published
  • By John M. Lacomia
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing History Office
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, it is clearly defined that Congress shall make no law prohibiting the establishment of religion, freedom of speech or of the press and the right of the people to assemble peaceably. Despite being ratified into law in 1791, it would only be seven years until this amendment would be put to the test.

In 1798, the United States was on the brink of war with France. Diplomats from the U.S. met with officials from the revolutionary government of France with the intent to continue peace between the two countries. During these meetings, the French contingent demanded bribes of more than $1,250,000 in exchange for their continued cooperation.

In the United States, French and some Irish immigrants were engaged in political activities that were critical of the Federalist politicians, especially President John Adams.

The Federalists were also under political attack from Thomas Jefferson and his Democratic-Republicans, who were opposed to the growing power of the U.S. Government. In response to this political opposition, Adams and the legislature passed a series of four laws know as the Alien and Sedition Acts.

The Alien Acts centered on deporting aliens, in time of peace, who the president deemed "dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States." Other aspects of the Alien Acts included extending the duration of residence of aliens to become citizens to 14 years, and the apprehension and deportation of resident aliens if their home countries were at war with the United States.

The Sedition Act made it a misdemeanor that was punishable by fine or imprisonment, to commit any treasonable activity. This activity included publishing false, scandalous and malicious writing related to the United States government. Twenty-five men, many newspaper editors, were arrested under this act.

Thomas Jefferson and his Democratic-Republicans continued to convey their discontent of the government over the next two years and their words did not fall on deaf ears. The American people distressed over the direction of the country and the government, made sure that their voice was heard in the Presidential election of 1800.

Considered to be one of the closest presidential elections in U.S. history, Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams and his Federalist Party, thus ending one party rule of the nation. It was not too long after Jefferson took office, that the Alien and Sedition Acts were repealed and/or expired.

Though it may seem that political opposition to our government is now commonplace, we must remember that doing the right thing is not always the popular thing. As American citizens, we have the right and obligation to stand up for what we believe and to let our elected officials know when they are going in the wrong direction.