National Constitution CenterCenturies of Citizenship: A Constitutional Timeline Exhibit
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1791-1824: We forge a nation where the people rule

December 24, 1798
Can a state say to Congress “that’s unconstitutional”?

Kentucky Resolutions

Copy of the Kentucky Resolutions

Library of Congress

The Federalists in Congress are trying to silence their opponents. Using their new Sedition Act, they’ve been jailing Republican newspaper editors.

Last month, Kentucky rebelled. This Sedition Act restricts free speech, they say; as a state, we can declare such a law unconstitutional. Today Virginia agreed, passing a resolution written by Madison.

Two states just drove a wedge between federal power and states’ rights. Someday, this crack could become a chasm.

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