UNOFFICIAL COPY 23 RS BR 496
Page 1 of 2
XXXX 2/20/2023 7:44 AM Jacketed
A RESOLUTION urging members of the General Assembly and the Kentucky 1
Congressional Delegation to reaffirm their commitment to the Constitution of the United 2
States and the Constitution of Kentucky. 3
WHEREAS, the Constitution of the United States was founded on the separation of 4
powers into three separate but equal branches of government, and included checks and 5
balances on those powers to assure that no one branch of government overpowered the 6
others; and 7
WHEREAS, the founders took pains to ensure the appropriate balance between 8
states' rights, individual rights, and the ability of the government to act in the national 9
interest; and 10
WHEREAS, the founders ensured that the Constitution protected individual rights 11
over state regulation and overreach, barring states from discriminating against citizens of 12
other states and forbidding states to enact tariffs against one another, while preserving the 13
rights of states to protect their own interests by requiring extradition for those accused of 14
crimes in other states to trial in their home state; and 15
WHEREAS, after vigorous debate, and with great compromise and assurance, the 16
Bill of Rights was enshrined in the Constitution of the United States guaranteeing the 17
freedom of speech, protection from unreasonable search and seizure, right to due process 18
in criminal prosecutions, right to speedy trial by jury, and the prohibition of excessive 19
bail and cruel and unusual punishments; and 20
WHEREAS, using the Constitution of the United States as a template, but with an 21
added emphasis on the protection of individual rights and liberties, Kentucky adopted its 22
own constitution on July 1, 1792, which was adopted by Congress, making it the fifteenth 23
state in the union; and 24
WHEREAS, the Constitution of Kentucky, much like the Constitution of the United 25
States, contained a Bill of Rights to protect its citizens from the excesses and corruption 26
of government; and 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 23 RS BR 496
Page 2 of 2
XXXX 2/20/2023 7:44 AM Jacketed
WHEREAS, the Constitution of Kentucky has undergone three revisions since its 1
creation. Each successive revision added more protections and safeguards for individual 2
Kentuckians from excessive government overreach, often in response to corruption on the 3
part of elected officials; and 4
WHEREAS, revisions of the Constitution of Kentucky granted its citizens more say 5
in whom they elect by including more officials chosen by ballot; and 6
WHEREAS, constitutions are not perfection, but an experiment to making us a 7
more perfect union; and 8
WHEREAS, as elected officials, it is imperative that we serve to protect the 9
Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Kentucky; 10
NOW, THEREFORE, 11
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 12
Kentucky: 13
Section 1. The members of the Senate urge its members, members of the 14
General Assembly, and the Kentucky Congressional Delegation to reaffirm their 15
commitment to both the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of 16
Kentucky. 17
Section 2. The Clerk of the Senate shall send a copy of this Resolution to 18
Senator Gerald Neal. 19