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The Sedition law was an act passed by the Federal majority in Congress in 1798. It was passed in order to put an end to the scurrilous and abusive tone of the press, which was largely controlled by aliens, French, English, Irish and Scotch refugees. It was modelled on two English acts of 1795. It provided heavy fines and imprisonment for any who should combine or conspire against the operations of the Government, or should write, print or publish any "false, scandalous and malicious writings" against it, or either House of Congress, or the President, with Intent to bring contempt upon them or to stir up sedition; truth of the libel could be offered in defence. The Alien and Sedition laws called out the Virginia and Kentucky resolutions, and by their severity occasioned the fall of the Federal party.