American Revolutions: A Continental History, 1750-1804

In 1798, the Federalist Congress passed and President John Adams these laws. The laws authorized the deportation of foreigners and made it harder for new immigrants to vote. The Sedition Act notably made it a crime to publish “false, scandalous, and malicious writing” against the government or its officials. The Acts were a significant point of contention, demonstrating Federalist attempts to consolidate power and suppress dissent, which in turn galvanized Republican opposition and became a pivotal issue in the election of 1800.

Thomas Jefferson and James Madison formed the Democratic-Republican political party in opposition to the policies of the Federalists. The Democratic-Republicans championed states’ rights, a strict interpretation of the Constitution, and a foreign policy sympathetic to France. Throughout the work, this party represents the agrarian and populist elements in American politics, advocating for a decentralized government and wider participation in the democratic process.

The Federalists were a political group that advocated for a strong national government and supported the ratification of the US Constitution. Led by figures like Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, and John Marshall, Federalists believed in a centralized financial system, indirect elections, and a loose interpretation of the Constitution.