What legislative act caused widespread opposition due to civil liberties concerns in early American history?

The Alien and Sedition Acts were a series of laws passed in the late 18th century, specifically in 1798, that aimed to bolster national security amid fears of war with France. These acts, however, sparked significant opposition due to their implications for civil liberties. They included provisions that made it more difficult for immigrants to become citizens and allowed for the imprisonment and deportation of individuals deemed dangerous. The Sedition Act, in particular, criminalized speech and writings that criticized the government, which raised severe concerns about free speech and the government's ability to repress dissent. This led to a robust backlash from various political factions, particularly the Democratic-Republicans, who argued that the acts violated the First Amendment rights of individuals. The controversy surrounding these acts marked a critical moment in the evolution of civil liberties in America, as they highlighted the tension between national security interests and the protection of individual rights.