Final answer:
John C. Calhoun is the historical figure from the mid-1800s who is most likely to have expressed the sentiment about states' rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The historical figure from the mid-1800s most likely to have written or expressed the sentiment that "The real issue at hand is states’ rights. The federal government does not have the power to tell us what we can and cannot do; our voices should matter too" is John C. Calhoun. Calhoun was a political theorist and a prominent advocate for states' rights during this time period.