Andrew Jackson and The Nullification Issue

1
Andrew Jackson and The Nullification Issue

• The Nullification Issue
• The Webster and Hayes Debate
• The Force Bill

2
John C. Calhoun

• Called the Cast Iron Man because of dedication
  to his beliefs
• Professional politician, served as Vice-President
  to Andrew Jackson
• Writes the South Carolina Exposition which
  introduces the idea of nullification

3
John C Calhoun

• Calhoun desired the presidency and he truly
  disliked Jackson. It was a battle of
  personalities.
• They strongly disagreed over the idea of
  nullification
• Both strongly supported the idea of internal
  improvements and the growth of the South

4
The Nullification Issue

• South Carolina passes a law outlawing the
  enforcement of the tariff
• Jackson believes that if states are allowed to
  nullify federal law then the Union is in danger
  of collapsing
• Calhoun believes that he is the defender of the
  Southern way of life and is determined to stand
  his ground.

5
The Nullification Issue

• In 1828 a tariff was passed which injured
  Southern states. Southerners call it the Tariff
  of Abominations
• The Northern states are not plagued by the
  tariffs or a depression
• John C. Calhoun argues that states can nullify a
  federal law and have the right to secede

6
The Webster-Hayne Debate

• Hayne argued that the Union was made up of the
  states and states could nullify and secede from
  the Union
• Webster argued people created the Constitution
  and laws not states and that federal government
  was the law of the land

7
The Force Bill

• Jackson responds to South Carolinas threats by
  passing the Force Bill
• The Force Bill empowered Jackson to call out the
  army and navy to enforce federal law if Carolina
  refused to obey
• South Carolinians wore palmetto badges in support
  of secession

8
The Force Bill

• Congress to avoid conflict agrees to reduce the
  tariff but, keeps the Force Bill
• Carolina backs down on its threat to secede but,
  turns around and nullifies the Force Bill