Question

In explaining why the nullification of the 1828 Tariff of abominations was justified, John C. Calhoun contended that
A.The people had ratified the constitution and, therefore could decide on the constitutionality of federal law.
B. The States were sovereign because they had formed a compact called the constitution.
C. The supreme court had declared the Tariff of abomination unconstitutional.
D. Congress was sovereign and could decide all major questions, including slavery.
E. President Andrew Jackson was elected by the whole people and agreed with his position.

Answer 1

Hint: The Tariff of 1828 also known as the Tariff of abominations aimed to protect northern and western agricultural products from the competition of the foreign markets in e form of imports in the region. Consequently, the subsequent duty would be in light of a legitimate concern for neighborhood individuals and markets. In any case, this was disliked in the South Carolina area as the locals suspected it was more in light of a legitimate concern for Northerners.

Complete answer:
In explaining why the nullification of the 1828 Tariff of Abominations was justified, John C. Calhoun Contended that the States were sovereign because they had formed a compact called the Constitution.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Additional information:John C. Calhoun, the Vice-President, was a native of South Carolina. He supported the efforts to nullify the tariff of 1828. He wrote a pamphlet named ‘The South Carolina Exposition’ that stated the tariff unjust and unconstitutional. It resulted in the confrontation between the State of South Carolina and the federal government in 1832-1833. Calhoun had the opinion that the concurrent majority i.e. the people of the state having veto power over federal action would protect their interest from the tyrannical majority. The South Carolina legislature adopted the ordinance of nullification in 1832 to declare the tariff of 1828, 1832 null and void; yet again President Andrew Jackson broadcasted Southerners declaring the incomparability of the government.

Note: President Andrew Jackson issued a warning to Southerners to use the armed force if necessary to collect tariffs. This Nullification emergency made president Jackson a legend to patriot, and then again, Southerners got defensive and alarmed of their weakness and vulnerability.