jan 5, 1799 - Alien and Sedition Acts

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These laws passed in 1798-1799 are a good example of how Federalists thought about an issue. They were passed with the excuse that because we were at war with France (undeclared) the government needed more power over people. The Alien law gave the President power to deport or imprison "dangerous foreigners" in time of war, it also changed the required years of residence for American citizenship from 5 to 14. The Sedition Act allowed government to fine or imprison anyone who impeded the policies of the government or falsely defamed its officials. Does that sound like 2003? (Patriot Act)

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