AS ACTs DBQ
The debate over the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1789 revealed bitter controversies on a number of issues that had been developed since the signing of the Constitution. The political struggle between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans and the foreign relationship with France were two main reasons for the signing of these acts. ... The Federalists predicted this threat and was lucky to have the public’s support in resulted from the recent XYZ Affair, proposed the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts of 1789. These acts put a tough requirement for immigrants to become citizen voters and gave President the power to remove any alien who pose a threat to the government. ... These acts were targeted at the Democratic-Republicans, to weaken their influence and voting power. ... The contents of the Alien Acts were either ignored or welcomed by most Americans. ... The Alien and Sedition Acts were passed by the Federalists and meant to be the end to the Democratic-Republicans. The Federalists were hoping the acts would help them achieve their plan. Ironically, the Alien and Sedition Acts actually helped to destroy the Federalists. ... The Alien and Sedition Acts also unified the Republican Party and secured a victory for Thomas Jefferson in 1800. The Alien and Sedition Acts were the fruits of the political struggle for power between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans and the issues of foreign relationships of that time. The Acts were due to expire at 1801 so if the Federalists lost the election of 1800, the Democratic-Republicans cannot use these acts to against the Federalists.