Thomas Jefferson’s Kentucky Resolutions of 1798: An Introduction
In response to the hated Alien and Sedition Acts, Thomas Jefferson drafted resolutions passed by the Kentucky legislature that included three foundational principles of the American Revolution. Path to Liberty, Fast Friday Edition: Nov 11, 2022...
Free Speech Under Attack: The Sedition Act of 1798
On July 14, 1798 – John Adams signed the Sedition Act into law. This is one of the most egregious violations of the Constitution in history – criminalizing free speech and the press just years after the 1st Amendment was ratified. Path to Liberty: July 14,..."The ground of liberty is to be gained by inches, that we must be contented to secure what we can get from time to time, and eternally press forward for what is yet to get." -Thomas Jefferson@mmaharrey10th #resist #nullify #liberty #10thAmendment pic.twitter.com/zqk3Dp72J1
— TenthAmendmentCenter (@TenthAmendment) January 4, 2021
Sometimes Big Things Start With Small Things
The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions of 1798 formalized resistance to the unconstitutional Alien and Sedition Acts and laid out the principles of nullification. But there were important actions at the local level that preceded the resolutions and galvanized support...