Chapter Eight – The Early Republic
HIST 1483
Discussion Questions
As you read “Protest Against the Alien and Sedition Acts” and “George Tucker on Gabriel’s
Rebellion”, consider the following questions and be prepared to discuss them in class.
Protest Against the Alien and Section Acts
1. In what ways does the resolution claim that the Alien and Sedition Acts violate the
principles of “free government”?
They believe that it violates their first amendment rights. Without the freedom of press
and the freedom to question government officials the hopes for a fair and successful
government was not looking so bright.
2. How does the resolution define the relationship between the federal government and the
states under the Constitution?
The resolutions argued that the states had the right and the duty to declare acts of
congress that were not authorized by the Constitution, unconstitutional. They believed
that the states should be allowed to judge the central government laws. In doing so the
states would be able to protect themselves from harm.
George Tucker on Gabriel’s Rebellion
1. Why does Tucker think that “progress in human affairs” will inevitably lead slaves to