"The Constitution of the United States is, in fact, a compact, to which each State is a party... and the several States, or parties, have a right to judge of its infractions; and in case of a deliberate, palpable, and dangerous exercise of power not delegated, they have the right, in the last resort... to interpose for arresting the progress of the evil."
—John C. Calhoun, *South Carolina Exposition and Protest*, 1828
Which of the following was the most direct cause of the sentiments expressed in the excerpt?
- The passage of federal tariff legislation that southern leaders argued unfairly burdened their agricultural economy.Answer
- BSupreme Court rulings that affirmed the constitutional authority of states to nullify federal laws.
- CThe transition of the Southern economy from commercial cotton cultivation to factory-based industrial manufacturing.
- DThe implementation of Alexander Hamilton's financial program, which centralized banking power in the federal government.
Answer
The passage of federal tariff legislation that southern leaders argued unfairly burdened their agricultural economy.
The passage of federal tariff legislation, specifically the Tariff of 1828 (often called the 'Tariff of Abominations'), was the direct cause of John C. Calhoun's *South Carolina Exposition and Protest*. Southern agricultural states argued that these high protective tariffs benefited northern domestic manufacturers while raising the cost of imported manufactured goods and inviting retaliatory tariffs on southern cotton exports.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The Nullification Crisis and states' rights debates during the Jacksonian era.