The Nullification Crisis Calhoun versus Jackson

Jefferson Day Dinner Toasts Jackson: “Our Union, It must be preserved.” Calhoun: “The Union, next to our liberty most dear.” What do these statements say about the priorities of these men?

Definitions “Doctrine of Nullification” Theory that State’s have a right to refuse to obey any act of Congress they consider unconstitutional. Secede: Withdraw from a larger political body.

Do States have the right to secede? Are there dangers in this theory? We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Calhoun espoused a Compact Theory: Union a compact of the states. If Constitution an agreement among the states then the states should say what it means and not the Supreme Court.

What Caused the Crisis? The “Tariff of Abomination” see You Tube! Congress passed protective tariff in 1828 which raised price of foreign goods sold in USA “T. of Abominations” West and New England liked it because it made it easier to sell their products. South disliked the tariff because they used many imported goods and paid more for them. In addition, they wanted a free market to sell their product overseas, COTTON Congress passed another tariff in 1832

S.C. Ordinance of Nullification Read the Nullification Act and write a summary sentence for the 6 main paragraphs. Finally complete the sentence, phrase, word strategy for the entire document. Write your choices on the provided newsprint.

What was South Carolina's response? In response to tariffs of 1828 and 1832 S.C. passes the Nullification Act 1832 which declared the tariff null and void. They also threatened to secede if the federal government challenged the state law. John C. Calhoun resigned as Vice-President Calhoun argued that states have the right to restrict federal authority.

“The Elephant in the Room: Slavery” Tariff debate seen as a referendum of sorts on Slavery Sectional Differences growing and it comes down to issue of slavery. South fears the growing North will interfere with property rights or slavery. If can nullify tariff law then could nullify any laws restricting slavery.

Note how the Nullification Ordinance ends. Done in convention at Columbia, the twenty-fourth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two, and in the fifty-seventh year of the Declaration of the Independence of the United States of America. The Ordinance ends is an unusual manner, by noting it is the 57 year of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America. Why end in this manner? Explain in a strong paragraph

What is Jackson’s responsibility as President in the face of South Carolina’s threat to secede? "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Can Jackson be true to His oath of Office and allow secession or nullification?

The response of Jackson Jackson threatens to use military power to enforce the law and preserve the Union “If one drop of blood be shed there in defiance of the laws of the United States, I will hang the first man of them I can get my hands on to the first tree I can find.” He declared secession was illegal To secede is to commit treason He said that the Constitution made the Federal Government supreme

How was the issue resolved? Henry Clay cobbled together a compromise Tariff would be gradually lowered to levels of 1816 South Carolina rescinded its action But interestingly, “the rest of the South declared South Carolina's course unwise and unconstitutional.” Why do you think other states said this? What does this say about South Carolina? Foreshadows the Civil War