Answer:
The individual who believed that states should be able to nullify, or veto, laws thought to be unconstitutional is C. John C. Calhoun.
Step-by-step explanation:
John C. Calhoun was a prominent American politician and statesman during the early 19th century. He was a strong advocate for states' rights and believed that states had the power to nullify federal laws that they deemed unconstitutional. Calhoun argued that the Constitution was a compact among the states, and if the federal government exceeded its delegated powers, states had the right to interpose and reject those laws within their borders.
Calhoun's theory of nullification became particularly prominent during the Nullification Crisis of 1832-1833. South Carolina, where Calhoun hailed from, declared that it had the authority to nullify the federal tariffs imposed by Congress, as they believed these tariffs were unfair and harmful to their economy. However, President Andrew Jackson firmly opposed the idea of nullification and threatened to use military force to enforce federal laws. Ultimately, a compromise was reached to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
While Andrew Jackson was a strong proponent of states' rights, he did not support the concept of nullification. Instead, he emphasized the importance of preserving the Union and the supremacy of the federal government. Alexander Hamilton and John Adams also did not advocate for the nullification of laws by states.