Question

Source A: The Nullification Crisis (Tariff of Abominations)

For what do you throw away these inestimable (greatly valued) blessings - for what would you exchange your share in the advantages and honor of the Union? For the dream of a separate independence - a dream interrupted by bloody conflicts with your neighbors, and a vile dependence on a foreign power. If your leaders could succeed in establishing a separation, what would be your situation? Are you united at home - are you free from the apprehension of civil discord, with all its fearful consequences? But the dictates of [obligation make] me solemnly to announce that you cannot succeed. The laws of the United States must be executed. I have no discretionary power on the subject my duty is emphatically pronounced in the Constitution.

--Excerpt from Andrew Jackson’s Nullification Proclamation (1832)

Who is the author?
What is the topic?
Identify keywordsphrases that help you summarize the excerpt.
What is the main argument Jackson in making in his “Nullification Proclamation”?
How does the nullification crisis exemplify the struggle for power between state and federal governments?
How is the nullification crisis an example of sectional differences between the states?​

Answer 1

1. The author is Andrew Jackson who was prominent political figure amidst the American Revolution who eventually became the seventh president of the United States.
2. The topic is the constitution and the Nullification crisis of 1832 which took place during Jackson’s presidency.
3. Some keywords are
- Independence
- Conflicts
- Laws
- Discord
- Constitution
- Separation
4. Andrew Jackson’s argument is that if America became more united, Americans would enjoy more freedom, independence and a more conflict-free life. Jackson wants to embrace better laws for the people in South Carolina who will not adopt his laws.
5. It further divided the two, and their respective opinions were very oppositional.
6. It shows how some people wanted to follow laws, and others wanted to create them.