Naturalization Act;
Alien Act;
Sedition Act
These items are listed together because they were all acts which contributed to the downfall of the
Federalist Party.
The Naturalization Act (June 18, 1798)
It provided that an alien could not become a citizen until he had lived in the United States fourteen years. The previous residence requirement had been five years.
The Alien Act (June 25, 1798)
It gave the President the power to deport any alien he considered dangerous to our peace and safety or inclined to be engaged in treason. No alien was ever deported under this law.
The Sedition Act (July 14,th 1798)
1. A fine of not more than $2,000 and imprisonment for not more than two years for publishing, "any false, scandalous and malicious writing" about the government of the United States, Congress, or the President.
2. A fine of not more than $5,000 and imprisonment for not more than five years of persons unlawfully conspiring to oppose any law or official of the government.
3. The truth of statements published shall be accepted as a defense thereof.
4. This act shall continue in force until March 3, 1801.