Question

In 1832, the state of South Carolina attempted to exert its state's rights by nullifying a Congressional tariff. Who had said that the action was permitted?

Answer 1

John C. Calhoun, Vice President under Andrew Jackson, supported South Carolina's attempt to nullify federal tariffs in 1832 as part of the state's rights doctrine. The Nullification Crisis was resolved with the Compromise Tariff of 1833, and while South Carolina withdrew its nullification of the tariffs, it continued to challenge federal authority by nullifying the Force Bill.

Step-by-step explanation:

In 1832, President Andrew Jackson's vice president, John C. Calhoun, was a key supporter of the nullification doctrine. Calhoun argued that states had the right to nullify federal laws that they found unconstitutional. This position was taken by the state of South Carolina when they passed the Ordinance of Nullification in November of that year, declaring the federal tariffs of 1828 and 1832 null and void within its borders. Jackson aggressively opposed this notion, affirming that states did not have the power to nullify federal laws, leading to the Nullification Crisis. Eventually, the Compromise Tariff of 1833, orchestrated by Henry Clay, eased tensions by progressively reducing the tariffs, and South Carolina withdrew its nullification but maintained its stance by nullifying the Force Bill, a measure Jackson sought to enforce the tariffs.