12. John Adams’ Alien and Sedition Acts
Under President John Adams, the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 were enacted, targeting immigrants and critics of the government. These laws were widely criticized for infringing on First Amendment rights, as they restricted free speech and the press. Critics viewed the acts as an unconstitutional exercise of executive power aimed at silencing opposition. The controversy underscored the ongoing struggle to balance national security with individual liberties in American democracy.
