Write about Freedom of speech in the early American republic

“The Sedition Act thrust freedom of expression to the center of discussions of American liberty.” Defend this statement. Does the controversy about whether it’s okay to criticize the government in a time of crisis relevant to the times we are living in right now? Be sure to include in your response a discussion of The Alien and Sedition Acts (July 6, 1798)
https://services.wwnorton.com/aws/pdf?file=/wwnorton.college.public/history/am-docs/alien-sedition-acts.pdf