Final answer:
The Alien and Sedition Acts restricted civil liberties, particularly free speech, leading to penalties for those criticizing the U.S. government and contributing to a suppression of dissent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effects of the Alien and Sedition Acts included significant restrictions on civil liberties, such as the freedom of speech and the press. Among the outcomes, these acts led to the imposition of penalties on those convicted of speaking or writing in a critical manner against the U.S. government, its officials, or policies. Notably, the Sedition Act was designed to smother political opposition by outlawing criticism of the government and could lead to imprisonment or hefty fines. This is exemplified by the prosecution of individuals like Eugene V. Debs under the act. The acts also contributed to an environment where the rights of individuals were often sacrificed in the interest of perceived collective security and the suppression of dissent, particularly during times of war.