What is the primary focus of the Alien and Sedition Acts?

The Alien and Sedition Acts, passed in 1798, primarily aimed to limit free speech during a time of perceived national crisis. These laws were enacted during a period of heightened tensions with France, known as the Quasi-War, and reflected a fear of foreign influence and internal dissent.

The Sedition Act explicitly prohibited speech or writing against the government, targeting those who criticized federal policies or the Federalist Party, which was in power at the time. It was intended to stifle opposition and maintain national unity in a period when the government feared that dissent could undermine its authority and lead to greater instability.

While the acts did include provisions related to immigration and national security, their most notable feature was the limitation they imposed on civil liberties, particularly the freedom of speech and the press. This emphasis on restricting dissent is what solidifies choice B as the correct answer.