The Doctrine of 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.
The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions supported the idea that states had the right to nullify or reject federal laws they deemed unconstitutional. This philosophy, known as nullification, emphasized states' rights and limited federal power. The resolutions were a response to the Alien and Sedition Acts, which were seen as infringing on individual liberties.
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.
Southerners used the states' rights doctrine to support nullification by arguing that states possessed the authority to invalidate federal laws they deemed unconstitutional. They believed that the Constitution was a compact among sovereign states, granting them the power to reject federal overreach. This rationale was particularly applied in the context of tariffs and other economic policies perceived as harmful to Southern interests. The doctrine underscored the belief that states could protect their rights and autonomy against federal encroachment.
Nullification is an idea dating back to Jefferson's time, when he helped author the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions. These documents proclaimed that states had the right to nullify or declare void any federal law they deemed unconstitutional. Strong supporters of states rights championed the idea and right of nullification. Of course this idea would resurface during Jackson's presidency, and remain in the public's mind until the Civil War, in which several states nullified federal laws, and created their own government and nation.
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.