Description
CHAPTER 23: PROTECTIVE OR DANGEROUS?
Instructions: After reading the chapter in the textbook, reading the module materials, and watching the videos, answer the following question:
In 1917, the US Government passed the Trading with the Enemy Act, the Espionage Act and then in 1918, the Sedition Act. Each of these acts dealt with protecting the US from our enemies in World War I. In your opinion, were these acts necessary and protective or did they infringe upon the First Amendment rights of Americans?
You are to answer the question with information from the course, and you are to respond to at least TWO other students responses.
Unit 2 Dsicussion
Courtney Grunbichler posted Mar 22, 2021 2:59 PM
The Trading with the Enemy Act, Espionage Act, and Sedition Act were all attempts to prevent Americans from siding with the enemies. During the beginning of the war, officials were on edge about the enemy forces, which is why they implemented these policies to prevent the criticism of America. However, I believe that the US did not have the constitutional right to implement the Sedition Act. I understand why the government would pass the Trading with Enemies Act to limit and restrict trade between Americans and enemy countries. I also understand why the Espionage Act was passed. During a time of emergency or war, the president implements policies that are usually in Americans’ best interest. I believe the Sedition Act is unconstitutional though. The Espionage Act, which was passed in 1917, protected US information and the spread of it. It was passed in order to prevent spies or other traitors getting access to US military information. This was implemented to protect the US, so I believe it was necessary. The Sedition Act, however, was unconstitutional. It prevented Americans from talking badly about the US, the flag, the military, and the government. Even during war, this is a direct violation of the First Amendment of the Constitution. It outlines the liberty of Freedom of Speech. The Sedition Act was an attempt to suppress and criticism or slander about the US to maintain full support. I believe that this act is unconstitutional because it punished Americans for expressing their first amendment right.