1. ** In your notes, write down the following prompts for notes, leave a few spaces in between each prompt:
State authority over national authority …
“The united States …” or “The States united …”
A perpetual Union?
Nullification and then Secession …
National Interests versus States’ Rights …

2. Moral Issue regarding the Civil War …
Legal Issue regarding the Civil War …

3. State authority over national authority
Federal government … from Latin word “Foedus”
“State” loyalty stronger than “federal” loyalty

4. “The united States …” or “The States united …”
The words “united States” used to be a plural entity until after the Civil War.

5. A perpetual union?
What is the purpose of “Union” in the national government, and does the Constitution mention this “Union” being permanent?
Preamble to U.S. Constitution:
“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.”

6. What is being argued here? What is the main point?
Read the passage below from a document called the “Kentucky resolution”:
“1. Resolved, That the several States composing, the United States of America, are not united on the principle of unlimited submission to their general government. [The States unite in the] general government to accomplish special purposes. [But] whensoever the general government assumes undelegated powers, its acts are unauthoritative, void, and of no force. [And the general government is not the] final judge of the extent of the powers delegated to itself.”
What is being argued here? What is the main point?

7. What is being argued is the basis for nullification, the power of the States to nullify a law passed by the Federal Government.
Argument for nullification eventually grows by 1860 to assume the right for secession.
John C. Calhoun, Southerner and supporter of “Nullification”

8. secession
Hartford Convention (1814) – first time in U.S. History states (New England states) considered leaving the National Government
Secession – breaking away or leaving the country form your own country

9. National interests versus states rights
States’ Rights – authority of the state is of most importance
National Interests – the interests of the nation are of more importance than the individual states

10. Questions:
(1) List the historical examples provided in pages 16 to 21 of the American individuals, states, regions, and movements that all demonstrate the secessionist tradition of America.
(2) What was the first revolt against national unity in the United States, and why did these individuals revolt?
(3) (a) The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions provided the basis for what idea?
(b) Who were these resolutions written by, and why is this significant?
(4) Summarize in your own words, what were the central questions regarding the ambiguity of the Constitution?
(5) From pages 16 to 21, what is the author’s central argument within this passage?