Tyrany In The Virginia Resolutions

In the Virginia Resolutions of 1798, author James Madison protests against the unconstitutional Alien and Sedition Acts recently passed by Congress. The Sedition Act not only made conspiracy and revolt illegal, but also criminalized any speech or writings against the President or Congress. The Alien Act first extended the waiting period to achieve citizenship from five to fourteen years and required all aliens to register with the federal government. Secondly, the Alien Act empowered the president during war to deport or imprison (without a trial) any foreigner suspected of being a danger. The Virginia Resolutions represent the draws of tyranny.

The paper shows tyranny through exercise of power. During the Quasi-War, the Federalist fears the impacts of the Republican newspapers. The Sedition Act attacks the Republican editors. Madison argues that the act is unconstitutional. The constitution declares, “The liberty of conscience and the press cannot be cancelled, abridged, restrained, or modified, by any authority of the United States.” The Federalist disallows the American people the freedom of speech. Drawing back to Europe’s tyrannical ways that started the Revolution. History shows the importance of a government

The first part to the Alien Act, also known as the Neutralization Act, extends the waiting period to achieve citizenship. As most of the immigrants favor Republican views. The Neutralization Act ensures lack of voters in the immediate time. Law cannot argue this indirect attack, but clear speculations arise. The questions of timing and the Republican’s upheaval connect the act to a motive. The motive to extend the time of power unnaturally, blocking the people of a free government. This in turn becomes unconstitutional by uniting the powers of government away from the people. The Alien Act further extends the Federalist power through a sense of