Inspired by Hamilton, Adams issued in 1798, on the basis of a congressional decision, the reactionary Aliens Act, based on which the president was given the right to expel any unwanted foreigner from the United States. Another one, Sedition Act, gave the president the right to punish with a fine for opposing government orders or putting in print information or articles criticizing government. These laws met with the sympathy and approval of Washington.
The Republicans vigorously resisted Adams' actions, accusing him of establishing new tyranny and urging the masses to defend the first paragraph of constitutional amendments, prohibiting Congress from introducing any legislative acts aimed at restricting freedom of speech and press. The states of Connecticut and Virginia responded with threats to secede from the Union and sharply condemned restrictions on freedom of speech and press.
