What was the name of the 1798 law that criminalized any speech or writings critical of the government, Congress, or the president?

Question

Donald Elliott

History

23 February, 22:54

What was the name of the 1798 law that criminalized any speech or writings critical of the government, Congress, or the president?

+2

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Brylee Macias · Answer 1

It was the Sedition Act.

Explanation:

The act gave the power to the president of the US to restrict freedom of speech, he could order the arrest of a person who critized him. The practical effect of the law was the prosecution and conviction of owners of some Jeffersonian newspapers who had critical views about government moves.