It seems apparent today that the Alien and Sedition Acts infringed on

It seems apparent today that the Alien and Sedition Acts infringed on rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Explain why Congress passed such legislation in 1798.

What will be an ideal response?

ANSWER
The Federalist-dominated Congress saw the arousal of public anxiety during the undeclared war with France as an opportunity to silence the Republicans before the election of 1800. The Sedition Act (the only one strictly enforced), was aimed at Republican newspapers.