Final answer:
The Alien and Sedition Acts were passed by the Adams Administration due to national security concerns amid the Quasi-War with France and to curb criticism from the Democratic-Republican Party. The most significant issue dividing Federalists and Democratic-Republicans was their disagreement on foreign policy. The correct option is d.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Adams Administration passed the Alien and Sedition Acts in 1798 primarily due to national security concerns. The Federalist-controlled Congress saw the acts as vital to protect the United States in the wake of the Quasi-War with France.
The legislation enabled the deportation of foreigners deemed a threat and limited the freedom of speech, particularly targeting those who criticized the federal government, including many in the Democratic-Republican Party. These acts were controversial as they were seen to infringe on individuals' rights and the principles of the First Amendment.
The most significant issue dividing the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans was d) Foreign policy disagreements. These disputes were rooted in different visions for the country's direction in international politics, with Federalists.
favoring a more centralized approach to dealing with foreign threats, as exhibited by the Alien and Sedition Acts, while Democratic-Republicans advocated for civil liberties and emphasized states' rights, as shown by the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions. The correct option is d.