Friday, November 04, 2005

Gov. Homework

Congressional Actions

1) Alien and Sedition Act- Consisted of 4 laws: the Alien Enemies Act which authorized the president to imprison or deport any alien associated with any nation that the United States was fighting in a "declared war."; the Alien Act which authorized the president to deport any alien considered dangerous, even in peacetime; the Naturalization Act which extended the duration of residence required for aliens to become citizens, nearly tripling it from five years to 14; and the Sedition Act which made it a crime to publish "false, scandalous, and malicious writing" against government or government officials. The Alien and Sedition Acts resulted from the XYZ Affair. I feel that the Alien and Sedition Acts were on overreaction, because it imposed American citizens constitutional rights, such as the first amendment which guarentees freedom of speech and press.
“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.” -1st Amendment of the United States Constitution

2) Espionage Act- It prescribed a $10,000 fine and 20 years' imprisonment for interfering with the recruiting of troops or the disclosure of information dealing with national defence. Additional penalties were included for the refusal to perform military duty. The Espionage Act was a result of World War I. I also believe that this law was an overreaction, as it also infringed our constitutional right to freedom of speech and petition.

3) Executive Order 9066- allowed military commanders to designate areas "from which any or all persons may be excluded." Under this order all Japanese and Americans of Japanese ancestry were removed from Western coastal regions to guarded camps in the interior. The Executive Order 9066 was a result from the attack on Pearl Harbor. I believe that Executive Order 9066 was both an overreaction and unconstitutional, as it violates our 5th Amendment right that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law.
“No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.”

4) Patriot Act- In response to 9/11 attacks.

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