The Doctrine of Nullification.
Nullification
Nullification is the theory that states have the right to invalidate federal laws they deem unconstitutional. It is based on the belief that the states are sovereign entities with the power to challenge and reject laws imposed by the federal government. This principle was most notably debated during the early 19th century in the context of disputes over state vs. federal authority.
Calhoun believed in states rights above all. He espoused the doctrine of nullification which meant that states could nullify or reject Federal Laws they did not want to obey. He also thought states had the right to leave the federal union if they wished.
State nullification is the idea that the states can and must refuse to enforce unconstitutional federal laws.
When Virginia and Kentucky in the late 1700s and South Carolina in the 1830s refused to follow federal law they were practicing nullification.
Federal Laws and the federal constitution super cedes the states.
States had the authority to ignore federal laws.
The issue of nullification refers to the concept that individual states have the right to invalidate or reject federal laws that they deem unconstitutional. This was a contentious debate in the United States during the early 19th century, particularly surrounding issues such as the tariff and slavery. Ultimately, the Supreme Court ruled that nullification was not legal and that federal law supersedes state law.
The federal is like all of the states. Example: Federal laws are passed down to the 50 states.
states could refuse to obey or enforce federal laws with which they disagreed
This championed states rights and questioned the legality of applying some federal laws in the states.
State's rights. The states used this in the early 1800's so that way they could ignore certain federal laws that they did not agree with and so that way they did not have to follow all federal laws if they chose not to.
It is my understanding that State laws take precedence over Federal laws (for instance, there is a federal speed limit but individual states set their own). In cases where the laws of two different states are in conflict, Federal laws apply.