What is the virginia and kentucky resolutions importance in american history?
The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions (or Resolves) were political statements in favor of states’ rights and Strict Constructionism. They were written secretly by Vice President Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. The resolutions opposed the federal Alien and Sedition Acts, that extended the powers of the federal government. They argued that the Constitution was a “compact” or agreement among the states. Therefore, the federal government had no right to exercise powers not specifically delegated to it and that if the federal government assumed such powers, acts under them would be void. So, states could decide the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress.
