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What were the Alien and Sedition Acts? |
The Alien and Sedition Acts were a huge deal in American history. This changed the citizenship requirement from 5 years to 14 years ... however Natives and African Americans were hardly considered humans at this time and nevertheless considered citizens. It is always interesting to review history as the things that 'Americans' have gotten upset about and revolted against, people of color have never been considered or given the same rights. This act was one step in the direction of the central government restricting the rights of the citizens, this made the citizens mad but at the same time they were restricting the rights of many others.
To coincide with the idea of restricting rights, at this time many people were not eligible to vote. In order to have a say in a democracy, people have to have the right to vote. Those that participated in rebellions and revolts and protested different laws and actions implemented, could vote... if they were a white male. Natives could not vote for the very things that were being inflicted upon them. Even though they were key in the success of Americans in many battles. |