The debate over the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 unraveled bitter disagreements on a number of separate issues. While these acts seemed to be very undemocratic in the sense that it pretty much discriminated against a citizen not born in America, but it is vital to realize the struggles and hardships young America was undergoing as a fledgling nation. When debating over the Alien and Sedation Acts, one must be able to comprehend the foreign affairs in which America was involved. The United States was caught up in the French Revolution and also the XYZ Affair, both quite dangerous to the existence of the country. These acts were very controversial and developed for a reason. One can look at the Alien and Sedation Acts from numerous perspectives. In Notes on Virginia, Thomas Jefferson can be quoted as saying "we are to expect the greatest number of emigrants. They will bring with them the principals of the governments they leave...with their language...they will share with us the !
             legislation...and bias directions." At the time, the US was receiving a mad dash of immigrants and many, like Jefferson, were worried. They were worried that some immigrants would bring some radical political views to America and upset balance of society. They did not want America turning into a theocracy or a monarchy. With an infiltration of non-democratic ideology, one can see why the Alien and Sedation Laws were such a big deal at the time. The leaders of our country felt the need to crush any political beliefs that were non-democratic for the good of the Union. Otherwise, the country was in danger of going into a frenzy. This urgency to quell political differences can be seen again in Hamilton's draft of Washington's Farewell Address, "there is another (cause) which it is necessary to be on our guard; I mean the petulance of party differences of opinion." From this viewpoint one could view the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 a...