Constitutional Compact Theory & Nullification Crisis
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Questions and Answers

What is South Carolina's primary justification for its actions?

  • The state aims to protect the rights of its citizens from federal overreach.
  • The state seeks to renegotiate the terms of its entry into the United States.
  • The state believes the revenue laws of the United States unfairly target its economy.
  • The state asserts its right to judge the constitutionality of federal laws, deeming the Constitution a compact among sovereign parties. (correct)

    • What is the author's main concern regarding the potential success of nullification?

  • It would lead to economic instability and trade wars between states.
  • It would undermine the system of checks and balances within the federal government.
  • It would necessitate a complete rewrite of the United States Constitution.
  • It would demonstrate the failure of representative government, emboldening monarchical ideologies and disappointing those who look to America as an example of liberty. (correct)

    • In the context of the document, what does the phrase 'architects of ruin' refer to?

  • Military leaders whose strategies lead to devastating losses on the battlefield.
  • Those who intentionally misinterpret the Constitution to serve their own political agendas.
  • Individuals or groups whose actions could lead to the destruction of the Union and its ideals. (correct)
  • Politicians who advocate for radical changes to the structure of government without considering the consequences.

    • Why does South Carolina reject the authority of the United States federal courts, according to the text?

    <p>The state prohibits appeals to those courts, asserting its right to be the ultimate judge of its own actions and the constitutionality of laws. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the likely consequence of nullification succeeding, according to the author?

    <p>Celebration of the 'funeral rites of constitutional and republican liberty'. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action did South Carolina take based on John C. Calhoun's constitutional compact theories?

    <p>They declared the federal Tariff of 1828 to be 'null and void' within the state. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Daniel Webster, what is the fundamental nature of the Constitution?

    <p>An agreement between the sovereign people of the United States, forming a national entity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Daniel Webster believe should be the arbiter of disputes regarding the constitutionality of federal laws?

    <p>The federal courts, as interpreters of the Constitution. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Prior to the adoption of the Constitution, in what ways had the United States acted as a unified entity?

    <p>Through joint declaration of independence and collective war efforts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who ordains the Constitution?

    <p>The people of the United States, as a whole. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the only way, according to the text, to dissolve the relations between the government of the United States and individuals?

    <p>Through revolution. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the Constitution ensure its own preservation, according to the passage?

    <p>By making its preservation dependent on individual duty and obligation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is implied by the statement that 'there can be no such thing as secession without revolution'?

    <p>Secession is an act against the established government and constitutional order. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Compact Theory

    The idea that the Constitution is an agreement among sovereign states.

    Ordinance of Nullification

    South Carolina's declaration that federal Tariff of 1828 was void.

    John C. Calhoun

    A proponent of the compact theory and states' rights.

    Daniel Webster

    Senator who rejected the compact theory and supported federal authority.

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    Nationalist Constitution

    View that the Constitution is an agreement among the people, not states.

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    Federal Courts Authority

    Only federal courts can decide if a law violates the Constitution.

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    Revolution vs. Secession

    Only revolution can dissolve the relationship with the U.S. government, not mere state action.

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    Individual Duty

    Every individual, not states, must uphold the Constitution.

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    Nullification

    The act of a state refusing to enforce federal laws it deems unconstitutional.

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    Sovereignty

    The authority of a state to govern itself or another state.

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    Consequences of Nullification

    Potential outcomes if nullification leads to disunion and loss of liberties.

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    Constitutional Liberty

    The freedoms granted by the Constitution to all citizens.

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    Study Notes

    Constitutional Compact Theory and Nullification Crisis

    • The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions' compact theory of the Constitution evolved into more radical state rights theories.
    • South Carolina, in 1832, used Calhoun's compact theory in its Ordinance of Nullification, declaring the Tariff of 1828 void.
    • South Carolina argued each state was a sovereign member of the original compact, with the authority to nullify unconstitutional federal laws.
    • Daniel Webster, in a famous congressional speech, opposed Calhoun's theory, arguing the Constitution wasn't a state compact but a national agreement between the sovereign people.
    • Webster maintained federal courts, not states, should decide if federal laws violate the Constitution.
    • Webster's nationalist view significantly influenced Lincoln and Reconstruction Congress.

    State Sovereignty and the Constitution

    • The US existed as a union for 15 years before adopting the Constitution.
    • The nation had a history of joint independence and warfare before the Constitution, acting collectively, not as separate states.
    • The Constitution is established by the people, not the states.
    • The Constitution commands the states, imposing restrictions and injunctions in the name of the people.
    • It's the people's duty to uphold the Constitution, not necessarily states.
    • State authority cannot dissolve the US government's relationship with citizens; only revolution can.
    • Secession implies revolution.

    Nullification and its Consequences

    • South Carolina asserted the right to judge federal laws' constitutionality independently and execute their decisions autonomously.
    • This included rejecting Congress and federal courts' authority.
    • South Carolina characterized the Constitution as a state compact they are sovereign parties to.
    • This assertion of state sovereignty implies no power can control their decision.
    • Webster warned that nullification would destroy American representative government.
    • It would revive the idea of the divine right of kings and discourage others from supporting the American example of liberty.
    • Webster associated nullification with the end of constitutional and republican liberty.

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    Description

    Explore the complex ideas of constitutional compact theory and the Nullification Crisis in this quiz. Delve into the arguments between state sovereignty and federal authority, focusing on the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, the Ordinance of Nullification, and Daniel Webster's counterarguments. Test your understanding of these pivotal moments in American history.

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