What did the Alien and Sedition Acts do?

The Alien and Sedition Acts, passed in 1798, primarily aimed to restrict the activities of foreign residents in the United States and limit speech that was deemed dangerous to the government. One significant component of these acts was the increase in the residency requirement for naturalization from five years to fourteen years. This change was part of a broader effort to control immigration and curb the influence of immigrants, particularly during a time of political tension.

While other aspects of the Alien and Sedition Acts included the ability to deport "aliens" and punish those who criticized the government, the correct answer specifically reflects the increased number of years needed for immigrants to become American citizens. Thus, understanding the historical context of these acts reveals their connection to the broader themes of immigration policy and government control during that era.