Aim: What were John Adams
domestic policies?
DONOW: Who was John Adams?
1
The Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798
John Adams signed the Alien and Sedition Acts
of 1798. These acts protected Americans from
foreign insurgents. It limited the number of
people to vote. This allowed the president to
deport non citizens as they threaten national
security. After when John Adams signed the
acts, it became a bitter problem during his
presidency. It became a domestic issue. This
can let foreign people to declare war. This was
why it became an issue.
2
Four Laws that make up the Alien and
Sedition Acts
• The first law is Naturalization Act. This expanded the
position for citizenship from five to fourteen years.
• The second law is Alien Act. This allowed detention of
enemy in time of war without trial or counsel.
• The third law is Alien Enemies Act. This empowered the
president to deport foreign people whom he deemed
dangerous to the nation's security
• The fourth law is Sedition Act. This conspiracy to
prevent enforcement of federal laws with fines and
imprisonment.
3
How did the Alien and Sedition Acts
started?
The federalists were convinced that the
opposition of the Democratic party was aroused
by the French and Irish living in America. They
were sure that the country was swarmed with
French spies. So since the Federalists controlled
Congress they decided to legislate the Alien and
Sedition Acts to crush the opposition.
4
The Alien Act of 1798
5
6
The Opposition of the Alien and Sedition Act
7
The Sedition Act
8