Which of the following was true of the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions?
A) They advanced the theory that the people, speaking through their states, could judge the constitutionality of acts of Congress.
B) They caused divisive arguments within the Republican faction.
C) They were unnecessary because the federal courts were already considering the constitutionality of the Alien and Sedition Acts.
D) They were of little significance beyond their immediate propaganda benefits to Jefferson and Madison.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Kentucky and Virginia resolutions advanced the theory of nullification, which held that the states had the power to judge the constitutionality of federal laws and declare them void within their borders. This idea was based on the principle of popular sovereignty, in which the people were the ultimate source of political authority. The resolutions were a response to the Alien and Sedition Acts, which were seen as a threat to individual liberties and states' rights, and they became a rallying cry for the anti-Federalist movement. While they did cause some disputes within the Republican Party, they also had a lasting impact on American political thought and constitutional law.

Which of the Following Was True of the Kentucky and Virginia