Conspectus of the History of Political Parties and the Federal Government/Extract of 1798 Virginia Resolutions
Extract of Virginia Resolutions, Dec. 24, 1798.
Resolved, That this assembly doth emphatically and peremptorily declare that it views the powers of the Federal government as resulting from the compact to which the states are parties, as limited by the plain sense and intention of the instrument constituting that compact, as no further valid than they are authorized by the grants enumerated in that compact; and that in case of a deliberate, palpable and dangerous exercise of other powers not granted by the said compact, the states who are parties thereto have the right, and are in duty bound, to interpose for arresting the progress of the evil, and for maintaining within their respective limits the authorities, rights, and liberties appertaining to them.