CLEP US History I

Answer: D - The Alien and Sedition Acts increased the residency requirement for citizenship from five to fourteen years, as well as limiting freedom of Speech critical of the government and imposing restrictions on foreign-born Americans. The late 18^th century was a time of unrest in the US, as political conflicts between the Federalists and Democratic Republicans grew to a fever pitch, and some states threatened to secede. This occurred against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe and French attacks on American ships. The Alien and Sedition acts were meant to protect against what was seen as the anarchic influence of the French Revolution and a possible future land war with France.. Thomas Jefferson repealed the longer residency requirement for citizenship during his presidency and pardoned the few people still serving sentences under the Sedition Act.