Final answer:
Nullification was a contentious political theory advocating that states could invalidate federal laws they deemed unconstitutional, championed by John C. Calhoun but opposed by President Andrew Jackson. The crisis peaked with South Carolina's attempt to nullify federal tariffs, leading Jackson to respond with force to preserve the Union. This debate highlighted the tension between states' rights and federal authority, contributing to rising sectional tensions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nullification was a political theory asserting that states have the right to invalidate any federal law they deemed unconstitutional. Vice President John C. Calhoun was a prominent advocate for nullification, focusing on states' sovereignty as mentioned in Article VII of the Constitution. The doctrine of nullification sparked significant conflict between proponents like Calhoun and President Andrew Jackson, who saw nullification as a threat to the Union. Tensions escalated when South Carolina attempted to nullify the Tariffs of 1828 and 1832, which led to a further rift between the federal government and state authorities. Ultimately, nullification was deeply intertwined with states' rights and the power balance within the federal system.
Jackson's stand on preserving the Union came to a head during the famous Hayne-Webster debate, where Senator Daniel Webster of Massachusetts defended the supremacy of federal law. This issue became even more fraught with the potential consequences for slavery tied to federal power. The nullification crisis reached its peak when South Carolina adopted an ordinance of nullification, prompting Jackson to send naval forces to Charleston and issue a proclamation against their actions. Although other southern states did not follow South Carolina's lead, nullification increased sectional tensions that foreshadowed the Civil War.