Text Analysis: Kentucky Resolution 1799

Kentucky Resolution - Alien and Sedition Acts
RESOLUTIONS IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY


--Who is writing?
The writers are the good people of the common wealth
"THE representatives of the good people of this commonwealth in general assembly convened, having maturely considered the answers of sundry states in the Union,"

--Who is the audience?
The audience includes American states and the Union.
"RESOLVED, That this commonwealth considers the federal union, upon the terms and for the purposes specified in the late compact, as conducive to the liberty and happiness of the several states"

--Who do the writers represent?
The writers represent the commonwealth people of America.
"THE representatives of the good people of this commonwealth in general assembly convened, having maturely considered the answers of sundry states in the Union, to their resolutions passed at the last session, respecting certain unconstitutional laws of Congress,"

--What is being said, argued and/or requested?
The people of the commonwealth feel the Union's alien and sedition laws interfere with the constitution for the people.
"commonly called the alien and sedition laws, would be faithless indeed to themselves, and to those they represent, were they silently to acquiesce in principles and doctrines attempted to be maintained in all those answers, that of Virginia only excepted. To again enter the field of argument, and attempt more fully or forcibly to expose the unconstitutionality of those obnoxious laws, would, it is apprehended be as unnecessary as unavailing. "

--How is it being said, argued and/or requested?
The commonwealth disagree with the Union's decisions and actions with the laws formed. They approach the situation with disagreement and strong discern. Instead of using violence or negative action, they are requesting a solution in a respectful and assertive manner.
"AND FINALLY, in order that no pretexts or arguments may be drawn from a supposed acquiescence on the part of this commonwealth in the constitutionality of those laws, and be thereby used as precedents for similar future violations of federal compact; this commonwealth does now enter against them, its SOLEMN PROTEST"

--What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the request?
"That although this commonwealth as a party to the federal compact; will bow to the laws of the union, yet at the same time declare, that it will not now, nor ever hereafter, cease to oppose in a constitutional manner, every attempt from what quarter soever offered, to violate that compact:"
They warn that they are going to protest for what they want against the union.