How we cite our quotes: (Law.Section)
Quote #4
"And be it farther enacted, That if any person shall write, print, utter or publish, or shall cause or procure to be written, printed, uttered or published, or shall knowingly and willingly assist or aid in writing, printing, uttering or publishing any false, scandalous and malicious writing or writings against the government of the United States, or either house of the Congress of the United States, or the President of the United States, with intent to defame the said government, or either house of the said Congress, or the said President..." (Sedition.2)
This makes it super obvious how much political calculation was going on. Notice that it's only a crime to defame the President and Congress, who, if you recall, are Federalists. The Democratic-Republican Vice President, Thomas Jefferson? It's totally fine to say whatever you like about that guy.
Quote #5
"Provided, that the expiration of the act shall not prevent or defeat a prosecution and punishment of any offence against the law, during the time it shall be in force." (Sedition.4)
Even though the law expired, if you violated it, you still have to do the time. This was Adams reaching beyond his first term and as it turned out, his presidency as a whole. Jefferson could play politics too; when the Sedition Act expired in 1801, Jefferson pardoned everyone convicted under it.