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 a 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 Abominations unconstitutional.
d. Congress was sovereign and could decide all major questions, including slavery.***
e. President Andrew Jackson had been elected by the whole people and agreed with his position.
I am very confused with this one so I am really unsure of my choice.
I disagree.
http://www.ushistory.org/us/24c.asp
To answer this question, we can analyze John C. Calhoun's argument and identify the accurate statement.
John C. Calhoun, a prominent political figure during the 19th century, was an advocate for states' rights and the nullification of federal laws. In the context of the question, he is arguing for the justification of nullifying the 1828 Tariff of Abominations.
Option a, "the people had ratified the Constitution and, therefore, could decide on the constitutionality of a federal law," is consistent with Calhoun's views. He believed that the states, as representatives of the people, had the authority to determine whether a federal law was constitutional or not. This idea is rooted in the principle of popular sovereignty.
Option b, "the states were sovereign because they had formed a compact called the Constitution," also aligns with Calhoun’s argument. He believed that the states retained their sovereignty even after forming the Constitution, and therefore had the right to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional.
Option c, "the Supreme Court had declared the Tariff of Abominations unconstitutional," is not accurate in relation to Calhoun's justification for nullification. While the Supreme Court's decision could have bolstered Calhoun's argument, there isn't any specific indication that he relied on the Court's ruling in this case.
Option d, "Congress was sovereign and could decide all major questions, including slavery," is not consistent with Calhoun's argument. While slavery was an important issue during this period, it's not directly related to the justification of nullification in response to the Tariff of Abominations.
Option e, "President Andrew Jackson had been elected by the whole people and agreed with his position," is not supported by Calhoun's arguments about nullification. Although Calhoun and Jackson were initially political allies, they eventually became opponents, particularly on the subject of nullification.
Thus, the most accurate statement that aligns with John C. Calhoun's argument regarding the nullification of the Tariff of Abominations is option b: "the states were sovereign because they had formed a compact called the Constitution."