1798/97 DRAPED BUST 10C, 16 STARS REVERSE MS64

In an effort to protect their newly established country, the United States enforced the Alien and Sedition legislation on July 14, 1798. These laws were constructed from a series of acts that the government hoped would stop anyone from protesting their decisions and disallow immigrants. It is likely these acts were conceived out of paranoia after the treasonous acts the country had just committed against England. Additionally, it is possible they felt any additional incomers could cause a potential spy or betrayal threat, so they felt it was best to halt that before it started. Eventually, Americans in various territories – particularly Virginia and Kentucky – felt the government was overstepping its boundaries. Kentucky was the first to repeal the Alien and Sedition acts with the Kentucky Resolve on November 16, 1798. Virginia followed shortly after on December 24, 1798. Both territories/states utilized the claim that these acts were rights violations and unconstitutional. Unfortunately the United States felt the need to harness the power over certain treasonous acts so another Alien Enemies Act was passed – yet repealed several times – and is still in place today with multiple revisions.