Final answer:
The Sedition Act of 1798 made it illegal to criticize the government and publish false, scandalous writing against the United States government, Congress, or the President.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Sedition Act of 1798 made it illegal to write, speak, or publish 'any false, scandalous and malicious writing or writings against the government of the United States, or either house of the Congress of the United States, or the President.' It also prohibited impeding the operation of any law of the United States or intimidating government officials from carrying out their duties. Violators of this act could face prison terms of up to five years or fines of up to $5,000.