Colour Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“That the several states who formed that instrument, being sovereign and independent, have the unquestionable right to judge of its infraction; and that a nullification, by those sovereignties, of all unauthorized acts done under colour of that instrument, is the rightful remedy.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: The Kentucky Resolutions, 1798
States have the authority to nullify illegal federal actions, protecting sovereignty and liberty.
In simple terms: States can reject unlawful federal laws.
Key Takeaway
Uphold state rights against overreach.
Themes
governance
law
sovereignty
Mood
reflective
political
Type
historical
ideological
When to use this quote
- state legislation
- court challenges
- policy debates
- civil protests
Key Concepts
nullification doctrine
federalism
Questions to Reflect On
- When is state resistance justified?
- How to balance national unity and state autonomy?
A Different Perspective
Nullification can cause national division.
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