1. Purpose 11/13/15 Watch CNN Student News
Read “In Search of the State of Franklin”
Answer the following 2 questions with your partners:
1. Why didn’t North Carolina want to send its military to protect the settlers in modern day TN?
What happened when Crocke presented his plan for statehood to Congress? Explain!

2. FOA 11/13/15
1st Amendment- “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to peaceably assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
For what reason, if any, should the freedom of speech and the press ever be limited?
When might the U.S. government limit freedom of speech and press?
Why might the government limit freedoms like this?

3. A Time for Dilemma: John Adams and the French Problem
President John Adams
The XYZ Affair
The Alien and Sedition Acts

4. Background Information
George Washington is about to leave office
The Federalists wanted John Adams as President
The Republicans wanted Thomas Jefferson as President
Under the rules of the Consititution at that time, the person who received the 2nd most votes was made the Vice President- hmmm?

5. The Election of 1796
Hamilton was the first Federalists choice for president but he was considered to controversial to run
John Adams (Federalist) is chosen and is elected president in 1796
President Adams will be asked by both France and Britain to join their side against the other- They are fighting

6. The XYZ Affair
The French are angered by Jay’s Treaty and begin attacking American ships
Adams send agents to enter in a treaty with the French as well

7. The XYZ Affair
French agents demand a bride before they talk to the American agents about a treaty
Adams is furious and tells Congress to prepare for war.
In his report to Congress, Adams used the letters X, Y, and Z in place of the French agents’ name.

8. The Public’s Response
When the public found out about the XYZ affair, many grew angry at foreign attempts to influence their government.
They became more suspicious of aliens- residents who are not citizens.
Many immigrants during this time supported the French Revolution, and some Americans questioned their loyalty.

9. The Alien and Sedition Acts
Federalists fear that Republicans and the French will become allies
French and British refugees are coming to the United States to escape the war
The Federalists will pass several laws to keep the Republicans from complaining against how the Federalist are running things

10. Investigate!
You each have an excerpt from one of the Alien and Sedition Acts in front of you.
With your group, come up with a short summary (1-2 sentences).
Add it to your notes
Be prepared to share!
Alien- resident who is not a citizen
Sedition- activities aimed at weakening the government

11. The Alien and Sedition Acts
June 18, 1798 The Naturalization Act requires a longer amount of residence to become a citizen
June 25, 1798 Alien Act gave the president the power to expel foreigners (used against the French)
July 14, 1798 Sedition Act made it a crime to publish criticisms of the government

12. Politicians can be vindictive
The Federalists (Adam’s party) attempted to silence criticism from the Republican party by enforcing the Sedition Act
Ben Franklin’s son is actually arrested for violating the Act

13. Investigate
With your group of three, look at the two excerpts from the Kentucky Resolution.
Answer these questions in your notes under the heading: Kentucky Resolution
Be prepared to share!

14. The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions,1798
Jefferson and Madison believe that the Sedition Act violates the 1st Amendment
They argue that states can nullify (or legally overturn) a federal law if the state believes it to be unconstitutional
The Resolutions were a ploy to jumpstart Jefferson’s bid for president in the next election