Final answer:
The word 'embolden' corresponds to the option 'C. Encourage.' In historical context, with regard to the Sedition Act of 1798, the Federalists' primary purpose was to smother political opposition.
Step-by-step explanation:
To embolden means to encourage or give someone the confidence or courage to do something. In the given phrase, 'they embolden the militia with crumbs of the same law they took', it implies that the militia were given encouragement or support, likely in a figurative sense, through small or minimal provisions from the law that was previously undermined or taken away.
In the context of the Sedition Act of 1798, the Federalists designed this act not to safeguard civil liberties but to smother political opposition. This can be seen in historical accounts, and through the context given in 'Section 10.4.5-p472' where it clearly states that the purpose of the act was specifically to suppress opposing political views.
Hence, Option C is correct.