Issue #2 - Alien and Sedition Acts
The second key issue in this election that Thomas Jefferson has very specific, strong views on, is the Alien and Sedition Acts. The Alien and Sedition Acts were passed by the Federalists in Congress in 1798. The Alien Acts allowed the president to remove any residents from the country if they were believed to be involved in any plots against the government. This act was specifically targeting the French residents in the United States. The Sedition Acts said that U.S. citizens could not join any plots against the government's policies. Also, it was illegal to "write, print, utter or publish " any false or hostile words against the government. This act was specifically targeting the Democratic-Republicans. Jefferson is very strongly against these acts and he will fight to make sure they do not renew if he is elected president. Thomas Jefferson challenged the legality of them. They violate state rights and are unconstitutional. The government does not have the power to pass such laws and states can ignore a law that is unconstitutional. States have the right to challenge the federal government especially on such acts like these that clearly violate the First Amendment. These acts deny people of their freedom of speech and assembly. They are wrong and need to be repealed. Thomas Jefferson will most definitely get rid of these unjust acts if he is elected president by his loyal supports, famers, skilled workers, plantation owners, and many and all other loyal, smart, and determined Americans.