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Handout C: The Acts and the First Amendment

Handout C: The Acts and the First Amendment

First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an 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 peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Directions: In the first column, write a phrase to summarize that section of the Act. In the second column, note whether – and if so, how – the First Amendment applies to that section of the Act


Act Respecting Alien Enemies Summary First Amendment
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3

Sedition Act Summary First Amendment
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3, 4, and Closing

Do you believe these two acts were constitutional? Why or why not?