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XYZ Affair and Alien and Sedition Acts

Sing!

What is the setting?

Cause of the XYZ Affair:

France and Britain are at war.

The United States had signed Jay's Treaty which was a negotiation between Britain and the U.S.

France didn't like that so...

France began seizing American ships to stop them from trading with Great Britain

How does Adams respond?

Adams sends representatives to France to try to negotiate a peaceful solution

What happened between the U.S. and France?

• France demands a bribe from the US in order to stop seizing ships

• Adams says "NO WAY"

What does “Millions for Defense, not one cent for Tribute” mean?

• The US is willing to pay millions to defend itself, but won’t pay 1 cent toward a bribe (tribute).

How does it get the name "XYZ Affair"?

• To conceal the identity of the French who offered the bribe, Adams changes their names to "X, Y, and Z" in official documents

"Alien" means...

One belonging to a foreign nation

"Sedition" means...

• Any speech or language that incites a rebellion

What did it (the Alien and Sedition Act) do?

•The Sedition Act allowed for the arrest of anyone who spoke out against the government

  • The Alien Act said the government could deported any immigrant that was seen as a threat

  • Naturalization Act was also added which increased time requirement to become a citizen to 14 years.

Why was it passed?

  • Adams and the Federalists were fearful of French support within the United States during the "undeclared war" with France
  • They wanted to try to stop anyone (particularly Democratic-Republicans) from giving help to the French

Was it unconstitutional?

This is your opinion. Write what you think.

Was it unconstitutuional?

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

James Madison authorized the Virginia Resolution and Thomas Jefferson authorized the Kentucky Resolution

Both were passed as a result of the Alien and Sedition acts

Many Democratic-Republicans called for the nullification (canceling) of any laws that they thought were unconstitutional

The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions argued that the federal government had no authority to exercise power not specifically given to it in the Constitution - the Principle of Nullification.

Do you think something like the Alien Act would be allowed today?

The Patriot Act, 2001

"The Attorney General shall take into custody any alien who is engaged (or believed to be engaged) in any activity that endangers the national security of the United States.”

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