On November 16th, 1798, Kentucky became the first state to nullify an act of Congress. Vice President Thomas Jefferson secretly aided in drafting and writing the Kentucky Resolutions, which, along with the Virginia Resolutions, eventually earned the name "Principles of '98". The resolutions were passed by the state legislature, with the purpose of declaring the Alien and Sedition Acts void. This was due to the Acts being unconstitutional, since they violated rights protected under the Constitution.
The Alien and Sedition Acts were signed into law by President Adams, in 1798, giving the U.S. government more power to discriminate against immigrants, and control immigration, but also prohibited public opposition to the government, a direct contradiction to the rights given to people under the 1st Amendment.
Ever since their passing, the Resolutions caused great controversy on states' rights versus federal law. It continued to be a debate, and played a role in causing the Nullification Crisis of 1832, where there was a national dispute, and Southern opposition, over the Tariff of 1832.
-Cici Mao
Sources:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/02/01/1183832/-Jefferson-Madison-and-Nullification
http://www.apstudynotes.org/us-history/topics/nullification-crisis-/
http://www.ushistory.org/us/19e.asp
The Alien and Sedition Acts were signed into law by President Adams, in 1798, giving the U.S. government more power to discriminate against immigrants, and control immigration, but also prohibited public opposition to the government, a direct contradiction to the rights given to people under the 1st Amendment.
Ever since their passing, the Resolutions caused great controversy on states' rights versus federal law. It continued to be a debate, and played a role in causing the Nullification Crisis of 1832, where there was a national dispute, and Southern opposition, over the Tariff of 1832.
-Cici Mao
Sources:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/02/01/1183832/-Jefferson-Madison-and-Nullification
http://www.apstudynotes.org/us-history/topics/nullification-crisis-/
http://www.ushistory.org/us/19e.asp