Legal Definitions - Sedition Act

The Sedition Act was a law passed by the United States government in 1798. It made it illegal to say or write anything that was critical or negative about the government, Congress, or the President. The law expired in 1801.

For example, if someone wrote an article saying that the President was doing a bad job and should be removed from office, they could be arrested and punished under the Sedition Act. This law was controversial because it limited freedom of speech and the press, which are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution.

The Sedition Act was passed during a time of political tension and fear in the United States. The government was worried about foreign influence and wanted to prevent people from speaking out against the government. However, the law was widely criticized and seen as a violation of basic rights.