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Reading the Virginia Resolution: How Can States Determine the Constitutionality of Laws?
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Who determines the constitutionality of laws? In part two of a two-part series, Kirk continues his examination of the Kentucky Resolution by Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia Resolution by James Madison. What did the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions claim? Follow our breakdown of the Virginia Resolution into easy-to-understand concepts.
As you listen, analyze the fundamental questions. Should individual states have the power to challenge federal laws and declare them unconstitutional? How did the ideals of the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions impact the US Constitution?
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Who determines the constitutionality of laws? In part one of a two-part series, Kirk starts his examination of the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions by breaking down the Kentucky Resolution into easy-to-understand concepts. Should individual states have the power to challenge federal laws and declare them unconstitutional?
These resolutions were passed by the legislatures of Kentucky and Virginia in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 and were authored by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, respectively. The resolutions argued that the federal government had no authority to exercise power not specifically delegated to it in the Constitution.
Use this primary source text to explore key historical events.