<P> The theory of nullification is based on a view that the States formed the Union by an agreement ( or `` compact '' ) among the States , and that as creators of the federal government , the States have the final authority to determine the limits of the power of that government . Under this , the compact theory , the States and not the federal courts are the ultimate interpreters of the extent of the federal government 's power . Under this theory , the States therefore may reject , or nullify , federal laws that the States believe are beyond the federal government 's constitutional powers . The related idea of interposition is a theory that a state has the right and the duty to `` interpose '' itself when the federal government enacts laws that the state believes to be unconstitutional . Thomas Jefferson and James Madison set forth the theories of nullification and interposition in the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions in 1798 . </P>
<P> The theory of nullification is based on a view that the States formed the Union by an agreement ( or `` compact '' ) among the States , and that as creators of the federal government , the States have the final authority to determine the limits of the power of that government . Under this , the compact theory , the States and not the federal courts are the ultimate interpreters of the extent of the federal government 's power . Under this theory , the States therefore may reject , or nullify , federal laws that the States believe are beyond the federal government 's constitutional powers . The related idea of interposition is a theory that a state has the right and the duty to `` interpose '' itself when the federal government enacts laws that the state believes to be unconstitutional . Thomas Jefferson and James Madison set forth the theories of nullification and interposition in the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions in 1798 . </P>
who has the final word on all us laws
who has the final word on all us laws
States
States