"That the states composing the United States of America are not united on the principle of unlimited submission to their general government; but that, by compact...they constituted a general government for special purposes, delegated to that government certain definite powers, reserving, each state to itself, the residuary mass of right to their own self–government..."

— Thomas Jefferson, Founding Father of the United States, Kentucky Resolutions of 1798 (1798)

"...this Assembly does explicitly 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...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 compact, the states...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."

— James Madison, Founding Father of the United States, Virginia Resolutions of 1798 (1798)

"...Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right...the said States hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defence, the security of their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare..."

— Second Continental Congress, Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union (1777)

"We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress...do...solemnly Publish and Declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, Free and Independent States..."

— Second Continental Congress, Declaration of Independence (1776)

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