Question

Why were these acts, signed into law by President John Adams in 1798, controversial?

A.Many felt the acts were representative of federal overreach and an effort to suppress public criticism of the government.
B.Many felt the acts were representative of federal overreach and inappropriate government intervention in the economy.
C.Many felt the acts unnecessarily constrained federal authority and threatened national security interests.
D.Many felt the acts unnecessarily constrained federal authority and would lead to the exploitation of workers.

Answer 1

Answer: C

Explanation:

The Alien and Sedition Acts were a series of four laws passed by the U.S. Congress in 1798 amid widespread fear that war with France was imminent. The four laws–which remain controversial to this day–restricted the activities of foreign residents in the country and limited freedom of speech and of the press.