In 1789 the Federalists dominated Congress passed the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts,leading to a conflict between the states and the federal government during the early days of the republic. Aimed at silencing the opposition press and weakening the opposing Democratic-Republican Party, they represent the nation’s first constitutional crisis. James Madison and Thomas Jefferson responded with the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions. Written to challenge the constitutionality of the Acts, the resolutions set a precedent for the later state’s rights position.
INSTRUCTIONS:
This writing assignment will require students to compare and contrast the two Primary Source documents which are linked below.
The Virginia Resolution
The Kentucky Resolution 1798 Draft
The Kentucky Resolution
As you read each Resolution you should consider the following questions and identify the relevant information that answers each one. These questions should be used to analyze and discuss the documents. Students should read both documents pertaining to the Kentucky Resolution, but must base their discussion on the DRAFT version, since it presents all of Jefferson’s arguments. All arguments must be supported with evidence from each of the documents.
PREPARE AND SUBMIT:
Write a well organized essay, a minimum of 700 words (but not limited to), including supporting details from the documents/textbook/other sources, in which you analyze and discuss the material that has been assigned by addressing the following question:
Discuss what Madison and Jefferson are addressing when they refer to the “compact” in the Resolutions, identifying how each one describes the relationship of the states to the federal government and constitutionally support their argument, and if, in your opinion, their arguments defend the Constitution or challenge it.
Reminders
Point Value: 100
Grading Criteria:
Reminder: All written work must comply with standard English rules, such as proper capitalization, grammar and spelling. The assignment must be submitted by the deadline listed in the calendar.
Note: Even though you will see a statement giving you the option of copy/paste or file attachment, please disregard this statement. You are required to attach the assignment in MS Word format.
Links have been provided to various sites that offer guidance for eassay writing, and APA format. This information is located in the “Student Writing Resources Folder” under the “Course Content” menu option,