The Sedition Act: Certain Crimes Against the United States

The Sedition Act of 1798 passed during John Adam’s administration by the Federalist Party touched off a lively debate about the right of free speech. It also presented an early test case to the citizens and government of the United States. In times of war or imminent danger, how do you balance the need for security with the rights of individuals? How can partisan politics affect the process of shaping security policies?

http://edsitement.neh.gov/curriculum-unit/sedition-act-certain-crimes-against-united-states
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Resource provided by National Endowment for the Humanities, EDSITEment Project

Grades

9, 10, 11, 12

Subjects

Foundations of Democracy

Resource Types

Modules (Teaching Unit), Lesson Plans, Essays

Teaching Strategies

Informational Text, Whole Class Discussion, Small Group Discussion, Individual Work, Primary Source, Case Study

Duration

225 minutes

Constitution Articles

First Amendment, First Amendment - Freedom of press, First Amendment - Freedom of assembly, First Amendment - Freedom of speech

Tags

freedom of speech, French Revolution, foreign policy, Alien and Sedition Acts