Kentucky Resolutions

Definition

Political statements drafted in 1798 and 1799 by Thomas Jefferson arguing that states have rights to declare unconstitutional any acts of Congress not authorized by Constitution.

Analogy

Imagine if you're playing a board game with your friends but one friend keeps making up new rules that aren't written on rulebook. You'd probably argue those new rules don't apply because they weren't part of original agreement. That's what Kentucky Resolutions did - argued against new 'rules' imposed by federal government which weren't part of original 'rulebook', i.e., Constitution.

Related terms

Nullification Crisis: An argument between South Carolina and federal government regarding state's rights to nullify federal laws.

States' Rights: The idea that states have certain rights and political powers separate from those held by federal government.

Tenth Amendment: Part of U.S. Constitution that reserves powers not delegated to the federal government for states or people.