In a democracy, how should citizens disagree with government policy? What is a “loyal opposition”?
In 1798, with partisan battles raging, Thomas Jefferson’s Kentucky Resolutions declared that a state could pronounce federal laws unconstitutional and “nullify” them. As states threatened the federal system and secession loomed, newspapers warned of “Civil War!”
George Washington begged Patrick Henry to return from retirement, oppose these dangerous policies, and save the union. While Henry had been a leading antifederalist, opposing ratification of the Constitution, he insisted that since “we the people” adopted the Constitution, anyone contesting federal policy must seek reform “in a constitutional way.”
Tellingly, within eight days of the adoption of his Virginia Resolutions—which were much milder than Jefferson’s Kentucky Resolutions—James Madison wrote Jefferson that they had gone too far. Chastised, Jefferson recognized the danger of the era's hyper-partisanship and reconsidered.
Recounted in For the People, For the Country: Patrick Henry’s Final Political Battle, this is the story of how a democracy must work if it is to survive.
Other Experiences
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Special Event: Public Archaeology Day
Join us at Custis Square for a day of archaeology, featuring exhibits and hands-on activities with archaeologists from across Virginia! Open to the public from 10am-4pm.
Open to the Public
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Special Event: "We Are Everywhere"
Join Professor Greg Smithers to open new insights into histories of gender diversity and sexual fluidity in Native America.
Art Museums Admission
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Performance: Good Progress
Meet Mrs. Wager, teacher of the Williamsburg Bray School, as she debates the nature of her school with Elizabeth DeRosario, a free Black woman.
Art Museums Admission