What was one of the main arguments made by the Democratic-Republicans regarding the Alien and Sedition Acts?

One of the main arguments made by the Democratic-Republicans regarding the Alien and Sedition Acts was that they violated the Constitution. This political group believed that the acts, particularly the Sedition Act, infringed on the First Amendment rights of free speech and press. They argued that these laws were aimed at silencing opposition voices, particularly those critical of the Federalist government, and were thus unconstitutional. The Democratic-Republicans saw the acts as a significant overreach of federal authority, which undermined the liberties that the Constitution was designed to protect. This perspective was pivotal in shaping their political platform and rallying opposition to the Federalist-controlled government at the time.