Every law that is enacted, every single one, reduces freedom. The question is, whether or not that reduction of freedom is worth it. Most people would agree that certain reductions aren't just okay, but they're necessary for a functioning civilization. Like getting rid of the right to kill people or steal stuff.
When a law reduces freedom way more than its value would demand, that's when it's tyranny. In the case of the Alien and Sedition Acts, you're not getting a whole lot of value, and you're cutting into some of the basic freedoms the Constitution guarantees. That lands it smack dab on the tyranny end of the scale.
Questions About Freedom and Tyranny
- How long should immigrants have to wait before they're allowed to become citizens? How did you arrive at that figure? Is there a place in history where that was the legal figure?
- What sort of due process are aliens entitled to? Should it be different based on their country of origin, or are rights constant?
- What situations should he freedoms of the First Amendment be abridged? What about those of the rest of the Bill of Rights? Is there a situation? Why or why not?
- Are laws like the Alien and Sedition Acts inevitable? What actions can the government take to protect people from fear-fueled tyranny?
Chew on This
The Alien and Sedition Acts are the best examples of tyrannical laws in the early history of the United States.
The Alien and Sedition Acts, though unpopular, were a necessary tool in defeating the French in the Quasi-War and should be used as a model in the future.