Story perspectives

From Sedition Act to Jan. 6: U.S. Constitutional Crisis

7/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 2021, disrupting certification of the 2020 election.
The series notes that fears of constitutional failure resurfaced from the 1798 Sedition Act to the 2021 Capitol attack.
The 1798 Alien and Sedition Acts criminalized criticism of federal officials, sparking debate over liberty during threats.
Senator Joseph McCarthy’s 1947-59 Red Scare investigations created blacklists and career damage based on suspicion alone.

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Story summary

Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 2021, disrupting certification of the 2020 election.
The series notes that fears of constitutional failure resurfaced from the 1798 Sedition Act to the 2021 Capitol attack.
The 1798 Alien and Sedition Acts criminalized criticism of federal officials, sparking debate over liberty during threats.
Senator Joseph McCarthy’s 1947-59 Red Scare investigations created blacklists and career damage based on suspicion alone.