The Pros And Cons Of The Alien And Sedation Act

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The Alien and Sedation Act were bills that supported the immigration of French refugees into the United States. As a result, of the chaos in France due to the revolution, many French citizens wished to flee. This caused controversy in the United States since many did not support the Act. This group, the Federalists, supported the XYZ Affair, which was known as a quasi-war between France and the United States. On the contrary, the Democratic-Republicans supported the Alien and Sedation Act. This became the subject of heavy propaganda on account of the claim that it was unconstitutional. In addition, the Alien and Sedation Act was believed to increase faction amongst the citizens not only because it was highly controversial but also because it …show more content…
However, this was very controversial. Supported by Democratic-Republicans such as James Madison, the Sedition Act which was on the contrary of the XYZ Affair, and was also viewed as unconstitutional. This was propaganda used to advocate for the XYZ Affair since, it would make the Americans believe it would be detrimental to their republican ideals. “The only evidences brought by the supporters of this bill [i.e., the Sedition Act] consist of writings expressing an opinion that certain measures of government have been dictated by an unwise policy, or by improper motives, and that some of them are unconstitutional (Document P).” The Sedition Act was viewed as unconstitutional because as the 10th amendment dictates, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” Through the allowance of immigrants and laws upon their immigration, it would be unconstitutional since the national government would be given additional power which, would be rightfully given to the states or the people. As a result, the Sedition Act was viewed as highly controversial due to its being unconstitutional and …show more content…
This would be due to the division of the American people. “They would draw us into the closest embrace of the former, and involves in all the consequences of her politics; and they would risk the peace of the country in their endeavors to keep us at the greatest possible distance from the latter… (Document D).” Through the allowing of French immigrants, the United States would be risking their own peace due to the corollaries of the French immigrants. Through augmented faction this would result. “The Speech of the President [of the French Directory] … evinces a disposition to separate the people of the United States from the Government; to persuade them they have different affections, principles, and interests, from those of their fellow citizens, whom they themselves have chosen to manage their common concerns; and thus to produce divisions fatal to our peace… (Document J).” The United States and France were vastly different countries that would clash if mixed. This is through the dissimilarity in ideals since, the United States has a very powerful demand for their republican ideals. These differences would cause faction amongst the Americans since they would be overexposed to other visions. Through faction chaos would develop as a result of the division of the citizens. Hence, through the permitting of French immigrants into America,

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