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Ordinance of Religious Freedom
The Virginia legislature adopts the Ordinance of Religious Freedom; this disestablished the Anglican Church and prohibited harassment of different religions. -
Northwest Ordinance
Congress passes the Northwest Ordinance; a law stating the government guidelines for colonizing new territory. This ordinance also stated religion, morality, and knowledge were necessary for the happiness of mankind, schools, and the means of education would be encouraged. -
The Federalist
Published in the newspapers throughout the U.S. were The Federalist. This was a collection of 85 essays urging ratification of the Constitution. -
Andrew Jackson Opposes
During Tennessee's constitutional convention, Andrew Jackson opposes and pays a role in defeating the proposal requiring profession of faith for officeholders. -
President John Adams
John Adams oversees the passing of the Alien and Sedition Acts. Thomas Jefferson introduces the "Kentucky Resolution" and James Madison issues the "Virginia Resolution" as a response to Adams. This gave the states power to determine the constitutionality of the Acts. -
Sedition Act
Congress allows the Sedition Act of 1798 to expire, and President Jefferson pardons all people convicted under the Act. -
John Milton
John Stuart Milton published an essay named "On Liberty". This essay was expanding Milton's argument that if speech is free and the search of knowledge was unrestricted, then eventually the truth will rise to the surface. -
The 14th Amendment
The 14th Amendment is ratified. This amendment states that no state shall "deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its justification the equal protection of laws." -
Anti-Obscenity Statue
Anthony Comstock successfully gets Congress to pass the Comstock Law. The Comstock Law targets the "Trade in and Circulation of, obscene literature and Articles for immoral use." This was the first comprehensive anti-obscenity statue at the federal level. -
Espionage Act
Congress passes the Espionage Act making it a crime to cause or attempt to cause disloyalty, mutiny, refusal of duty, in the military or naval forces of the United States. -
Response of Espionage Act
When the Espionage Act was passed, the Civil Liberties Bureau was formed in response. The Civil Liberties Bureau was a forerunner of the American Civil Liberties Union. -
Debs v. U.S.
The U.S. Supreme Court holds the conviction of socialist Eugene V. Debs under the Espionage Act for creating speeches that oppose World War I. Justice Holmes words the "clear and present danger" test as Debs' words have a natural tendency of obstructing recruitment.
