HISTORY OF VERMONT. 293 



union ; inviting their examination and concur- 

 rence, and wishing them all to avow the samQ 

 principles ^nd measures. A majority of the 

 assembly of Vermont viewed these resolutions 

 as greatly dangerous ; in their nature, as de- 

 structive of the principles on which the federal 

 union was first formed, and could now exist ; 

 and in their tendency, as designed to reduce the 

 powers of the federal, and to advance those of 

 the state governments. With such sentiment^ 

 and apprehensions, they judged it to be expe- 

 dient to express a determined disapprobation 

 and opposition to those resolutions. 



With regard lo the communication from the 

 state of Virginia, it was " Resolved, That the 



* general assembly of the state of Vermont, do 



* highly disapprove of the resolutions of the 



* general assembly of ihe state of Virginia, as 

 ' being unconstitutional in their nature, and 



' dangerous in their tendency. It belongs not -' i;-' 

 ' to State Legislatures to decide on the consti- 



* tutionality of laws, made by the general gov- 

 ' ernment ; this power being exclusively vested 

 ' in the judiciary courts of the union." 



The answer to the state of Kentucky was 

 more particular and explicit. As it may serve 

 to explain the politics of that day, it may be of 

 use to insert the whole. 



" To the Legislature of the state of Kentucky. 



Vi* We have maturely considered your rcso- 

 ' lutions of November 10th, 1798. As you in- 



* vite our opinion, you will not blame us for 



* giving it without disguise, and with decision. 



* In your first resolution, jou observe, in sub- 



* stance, " that the states constituted the gen- ' 



