The Importance Of Constitutional Amendments

458 Words1 Page

Multiple had argued whether or not this act was unconstitutional. Many believe because of itś going against to the first amendment, it was unconstitutional. “Abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press: or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances”(Madison, 1789) . These amendments were made to protect our country and now the many who fought for those amendments, are going against them. The amendments did their job well of keeping peace and fairness between citizen’s rights, as many could tell by the acts of the citizens when those rights were taken away. The freedom of speech was an important factor to politics as they had realized later on. “They argued that in a representative …show more content…

With those political opinions, they could make knowledgeable decisions. The voices of citizens helped them with elections, debates, and political parties. One of our founding fathers, specifically the first one, put their outlook out into the void by stating “Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally.” (Washington 1796). Washington saw this act coming and completely disagrees with it coming into action. As unconstitutional many may have found this act, it stayed into action until 1918. Another reason for the act to be enacted was the punishments to those whom were being tried. The very first republican that was tried for was Matthew Lyon for giving his opinion on their new president, John Adams. He accused Adams of having “an unbounded thirst for ridiculous pomp” (Lyon). None of which was a political statement, but a personal one. His view was towards who the president was, but not in the state of his actions depending on the country. Lyon was sentenced four months in jail and a $1,000 fine. While in jail, Matthew Lyon wrote ̈This sentence was unexpected to all my friends as well as myself, no

Open Document