How did Calhoun justify and explain the theory of nullification?

Question

How did Calhoun justify and explain the theory of nullification?

Answer 1

Calhoun claimed that the Union had not been formed by the people, but by people representing States. This meant that a state was sovereign, not the national government. The states were the units which formed the compact (union), thus the states could withdraw from that compact (the union) if they so desired. Calhoun also said that a state could declare an act of the federal government null and void within that state's borders until three-quarters of the other states overruled its decision. He based the three-quarters on the number of states needed to ratify the Constitution. If that occurred, the state would then have the choice of accepting the decision of the other states, or leaving the union--secession.

Answer 2

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How did Calhoun justify and explain the theory of nullification?
How did Calhoun justify and explain the theory of nullification?

Answer 3

"Nullification, was not a new idea in America when John C. Calhoun floated it in 1831. Its origins could be traced in the very beginnings of the republic, after the loose Articles of Confederation were found lacking. Individuals such as James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson supported the principle of nullification. It had even been used slavery opponents, in order to justify failing to enforce the fugitive slave laws."

Answer 4

B