Friday, December 06, 2013

Virginia Resolution of 1798

Dropping some science: The Virginia Resolution of 1798:

RESOLVED, That the General Assembly of Virginia, doth unequivocably express a firm resolution to maintain and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of this State, against every aggression either foreign or domestic, and that they will support the government of the United States in all measures warranted by the former.

That this assembly most solemnly declares a warm attachment to the Union of the States, to maintain which it pledges all its powers; and that for this end, it is their duty to watch over and oppose every infraction of those principles which constitute the only basis of that Union, because a faithful observance of them, can alone secure it's existence and the public happiness.

That this Assembly doth explicitly and peremptorily declare, that it views the powers of the federal government, as resulting from the compact, to which the states are parties; as limited by the plain sense and intention of the instrument constituting the compact; as no further valid that they are authorized by the grants enumerated in that compact; and that in case of a deliberate, palpable, and dangerous exercise of other powers, not granted by the said compact, the states who are parties thereto, have the right, and are in duty bound, to interpose for arresting the progress of the evil, and for maintaining within their respective limits, the authorities, rights and liberties appertaining to them.

This resolution was adopted by the Virginia Senate on December 24, 1798, as a protest against the Alien and Sedition Acts passed by Congress. It was authored by James Madison, in consultation with Thomas Jefferson, who also authored a set of resolutions for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Emphasis added. Via Eric Pratt.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

And look to where we have fallen. Today the Federal Government overrides the States Constitutional authority, by any means necessary. The States, in their cowardice simply go along, fearing the wrath of the Fed's.

I for one am not afraid of facing this Goliath, with whatever mean necessary. Until we as a people grow a set, we will be sucked into this tryanny. I refuse to go quietly, and plan on fighting back, with everything I can muster. Will you do the same?

carlito said...

Guess Old Virginny forgot about all that when dey seceded from the Yewnited States, all so they could keep um thar black slaves.
Lord forbid iffen dey had to free um!