Trace the right of free speech as it relates to sedition in the United States. H

The ideal response will:
a. Discuss sedition, which is the heavy criticism of government or officials aimed at producing discontent or rebellion.
b. Discuss how Congress and presidents have sought to limit what people can say against the government. For example, the Sedition Act of 1798 and one passed during the Civil War were designed to limit criticism of the government.
c. Discuss more recent examples of the government limiting speech. During World War I, the Espionage Act produced the “clear and present danger” doctrine designed to limit those who sought to limit the war effort with their speech.
d. Discuss how in the 1940s and 1950s, sedition acts were directed against communism. The Smith Act was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court in 1951. It wasn’t until Yates v. the United States that the Court reversed the conviction of communist leaders. The McCarthy era McCarran Act, placed sweeping restriction on communists working for government and established a Subversive Activities Control Board to enforce legislation. The government did much less to restrict speech when it came to criticism of the Vietnam War.

Thank you