John C. Calhoun

He thought that the states made up the union and therefore should have the final say in a decision.

According to Calhoun, why should states have the final say on decisions?

He knew that nullification would protect slavery conflicts from interfering with the government.

According to Calhoun, why would nullification help Southern states?

Yes

Did Calhoun own slaves?

In his Southern adress of 1849, Calhoun said that too many free states in the union would weaken slavery until it was destroyed for all states. So if slavery wasn't allowed in the new territories then they would be outnumbered free states to slave states.

How did Calhoun feel about Slavery in the new territories? Why?

He opposed the Missouri Compromise because Northern majority in congress was using its power to put restrictions on slavery. He didn't like the Compromise of 1850 either because he believed that a slave owner could take their property anywhere even in a new territory.

How did Calhoun feel about the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850?

Yes

Was that a slave state?

He believe that the states could void a law (consider illegal and not put into effect) it found unconstitutional or illegal. He was just a step away from recommending Secession.

What did Calhoun believe a state should do when a law was passed that the state disagreed?

He warned the North that if they didn't stop mistreating slavery then the whole union would break up.

What did Calhoun warn the senate of in his final speech?

He thought that in the South it would lead to poverty, chaos and bitter racial conflict.

What did he think would happen if slaves were freed?

An individual state could declare a law illegal that was passed by Congress. He could defend slavery.

What does "nullification" mean?

House of Representatives, Vice President, Secretary of War

What political offices did Calhoun hold?

He invented it. He believed that if the owner and their slaves weren't treated fairly that they could secede or leave the union. He was known to some as the "Father of Secession".

What was Calhoun's views on secession?

South Carolina Legislature

What was the first elected office Calhoun held?

Abbeville, South Carolina in 1782

Where was Calhoun born?

The national tariff program made a tax on imported goods (products that came from other countries). Since the South imported lots of goods they would have an additional tax to receive those goods.

Why did Calhoun oppose the national tariff program?

He wanted slavery because slaves work for free labor. Also the South's economy

Why did Calhoun want slavery?