Do you agree or disagree with the democratic republicans that the alien and sedition acts were a violations ofthe first amendment? were they necessary? support your opinion.

Think About

•the intent of the first amendment

•what was happening in Europe

•what was happening in the united States

The Democratic-Republicans were right. The Alien and Sedition Acts violated the First Amendment that defines the freedoms and rights of all citizens. Using preparations for war with France to justify the Acts was callous and opportunistic. The Federalists only used this justification to suppress their opponents. The Act defied several freedoms provided in the first amendment and also made it illegal to check the government.