Foreword
The tension between liberty and security is as old as the Republic itself. In fact, skepticism about concentrating too much power in the hands of government is an American tradition. But the impulse to scale back civil liberties has always been especially strong during times of war, and throughout history threats to the Nation’s well-being — real or perceived — have provided leaders with the political rationale to impose restrictions on fundamental freedoms in the interest of keeping the country safe.The Alien and Sedition Act of 1789 empowered the President to deport any noncitizen considered dangerous to the safety of…
