The post-Revolutionary Era in the U.S. saw intense debates regarding the federal government's powers, leading to a divide between nationalists seeking a strong central government and factions like Calhoun's advocating for the concurrent majority to protect minority interests.
The evidence presented showcases a period of significant political and ideological division and restructuring in the United States following the Revolution.
Contentious issues like the fiscal responsibilities of the federal government, interpretation of constitutional powers, and the conflict between democratic principles and sectional interests profoundly shaped the development of the nation's political system.
Two ideologies emerged: nationalists, who believed in a strong central government with taxing powers and a concurrent majority as proposed by Calhoun, seen as a defense mechanism for minority interests against a potentially oppressive majority, particularly defending Southern interests against Northern legislative dominance.