Question

Why did the Adams administration pass the Alien and Sedition Acts?

Answer 1

The federalists believed that Democratic-Republican criticism of Federalist policies was disloyal and feared that aliens living in the United States would sympathize with the French during a war. As a result, a Federalist-controlled Congress passed four laws, known collectors as the Alien and Sedition Acts.

Answer 2

Fears of an imminent French invasion led the Adams administration to begin war preparations and pass a new land tax to pay for them. With fears of enemy spies infiltrating American society, the Federalist majority in Congress passed four new laws in June and July 1798, collectively known as the Alien and Sedition Acts.