Skip to Main Content

Educator Hub
Explore our wide range of educator resources
Resource Types
High School US History Resources
High School Government Resources
Middle School Resources
Elementary Resources - BRI Jr
Debate Resources
Categories
We Teach History & Civics
Each of our resources is free, scholar reviewed, and easy to implement. Browse our full collection by subject, grade-level, era, or term.
Explore All of Our Resources
Student Hub
Learn and grow with the Bill of Rights Institute
Video Resources
Homework Help Videos
Supreme Court Case Overview Videos
AP Gov Required Cases Videos
Resource Types
MyImpact Challenge
Showcase your service project for a chance to win $10,000! MyImpact Challenge accepts projects that are charitable, government intiatives, or entrepreneurial in nature. Open to students aged 13-19.
Find out More
Invest In Our Future
Learn how to become a corporate partner with BRI
Partner with Us
Power of the Printed Word
Civics for Everyone
Contact Us
Help give students the civic education they deserve
Make the most immediate impact through a gift to BRI today to promote freedom and opportunity for students and teachers across America.
Learn how you can support our work
About BRI
The Bill of Rights Institute teaches civics. We equip students and teachers to live the ideals of a free and just society.
Board and Staff
BRI Blog
FAQs
Statement of Academic Integrity
Join Our Team
Request Professional Development
Financial and Transparency
Press Information
Contact Us
Data Compliance
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
About Us
We seek an America where we more perfectly realize the promise of liberty and equality expressed in the Declaration of Independence. This calls for civic education that helps students examine the story of our country and exercise the skills of citizenship.
Learn More

Reading the Virginia Resolution: How Can States Determine the Constitutionality of Laws?

Description

Who determines the constitutionality of laws? In part two of a two-part series, Kirk continues his examination of the Kentucky Resolution by Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia Resolution by James Madison. What did the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions claim? Follow our breakdown of the Virginia Resolution into easy-to-understand concepts.

As you listen, analyze the fundamental questions. Should individual states have the power to challenge federal laws and declare them unconstitutional? How did the ideals of the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions impact the US Constitution?

Primary Source Close Reading with BRI investigates some of the most pivotal speeches and documents that made America. In this series, join BRI staff Kirk Higgins and guests as they dissect how seminal documents, court cases, and speeches forged America’s development and impact our lives today.

Related Resources

A Primary Source Close Reads Video Playlist

Dive into some of the most important speeches and documents from United States history. These videos dissect these documents, define key terms, and explore the lasting impact of the featured documents.

Reading the Kentucky Resolution: Who Determines the Constitutionality of Laws?

Who determines the constitutionality of laws? In part one of a two-part series, Kirk starts his examination of the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions by breaking down the Kentucky Resolution into easy-to-understand concepts. Should individual states have the power to challenge federal laws and declare them unconstitutional?

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions (1798)

These resolutions were passed by the legislatures of Kentucky and Virginia in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 and were authored by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, respectively. The resolutions argued that the federal government had no authority to exercise power not specifically delegated to it in the Constitution.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions, 1798–1799

Use this primary source text to explore key historical events.