What Amendment's freedoms did citizens believe the Alien and Sedition Acts infringed upon?

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees several fundamental rights, including the freedoms of speech, press, and assembly, as well as the right to petition the government. The Alien and Sedition Acts, enacted in 1798, were seen by many as infringing upon these rights. Specifically, the Sedition Act made it a crime to publish false or malicious statements about the government or its officials, which directly targeted freedom of speech and the press.

Citizens, especially political opponents of the Federalist Party, viewed these acts as a means to suppress dissent and stifle opposition. The belief was that such legislative measures were unconstitutional as they restricted individuals’ rights to express their opinions and criticize the government, core tenets of First Amendment protections. The widespread public backlash against the Alien and Sedition Acts highlighted the top priority placed on these freedoms during this period in American history. This is why the First Amendment is recognized as the correct answer regarding the rights thought to be infringed by the Alien and Sedition Acts.