Differences Between The Virginia And Kentucky Resolutions

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11) The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions set forth a states’ rights interpretation of the constitution, saying that the states had the right to judge the legitimacy of national laws. The documents were written by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. The resolutions opposed the alien act, the deportation of foreigners, and the sedation act, which prohibited publication of insults on the president or members of congress. Republicans argued that the sedation act violated the first amendment, such as the freedom of speech and press. The documents argued that the federal government had no right to impose powers not specifically granted to them and if the federal government imposed these powers, acts under them would in turn be null and void. These

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