Final answer:
The Sedition Acts of 1798 and 1918 were laws created to punish individuals for publishing 'false, scandalous, and malicious writing' about the government, Congress, or the President of the United States. The acts aimed to silence criticism and control public opinion during times of conflict. They were seen as violations of the freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Sedition Act of 1798 was created to punish individuals for publishing 'false, scandalous, and malicious writing' about the government, Congress, or the President of the United States. This act was passed by the Federalists in Congress and aimed to silence criticism from the Republican press, which was growing in popularity at the time. Violators of the act could face imprisonment and fines.
The Sedition Act of 1918 was another notable law that criminalized speech criticizing the federal government during World War I. It aimed to stifle dissent and was used to prosecute individuals who questioned the war effort or spoke out against the government. This act also faced controversy and was later repealed.
Both Sedition Acts were seen as violations of the freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. They represent historical examples of attempts by the government to limit criticism and control public opinion during times of conflict.