What urges state legislatures to nullify the alien and sedition acts?

The Alien and Sedition Acts were on attack on the rights of free Speech and free press. The acts were attack on Republicans. Congress went beyond the Constitution by passing the acts. According to the states' right theory, the federal government was using its powers improperly.

Alien and Sedition Acts was passed by the U. S. Congress in 1798 during a heightened period of war with France. This controversial acts restricted the activities of aliens in the country and limited freedom of speech, gave new powers to deport foreigners and restricted them from voting.

This was an infringement on the rights of freedom of speech and free press. The acts were also an attack on republicans and this urged the congress to beyond the constitution by nullifying this acts.