Federalists passed two new laws – both designed to silence the Pro-French Jeffersonians and their followers Alien Laws – two elements: 1. Naturalization now required a 14 year wait (previously 5 years) 2. The Pres. Could deport “dangerous foreigners” in peace time and deport or imprison DFs in times of war.
Anyone who impedes govt. policy or falsely defames govt. officials can be fined or imprisoned Purpose of this law: silence the Jeffersonians Results: many indicted, 10 tried and convicted. The laws had fairly wide support but those who disagreed => Dem.- Rep.
KT resolution secretly written by T. Jefferson, VA by James Madison Basic points of both: 1. The states created the federal govt 2. the Federal govt overstepped its power when passing the Alien and Sedition Laws 3. The only recourse states have is to “nullify” the laws
No other states agree or pass resolutions Nullification shows up later – used by Southern states prior to Civil War Jefferson’s party => “states rights” party
By 1800 – there are two distinct Parties The Federalists are led by Hamilton The D-R are led by Jefferson In general, Federalists were: Wealthy, snooty, from the NE, Pro-British and wanted a strong Fed govt and rule by the “best people” In General, DRs were; Rural, common men, pro-French, states righters, and wanted more men to vote