why did Thomas Jefferson turn to nullification in an effort to right the wrongs of the alien and sedition acts?

Thomas Jefferson turned to the concept of nullification in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts because he believed that the states were meant to control the federal government. He felt that the federal government was overstepping its bounds and infringing on the rights of individuals and states. By advocating for nullification, Jefferson aimed to provide a mechanism for states to refuse to enforce federal laws that they deemed unconstitutional or unjust, thereby asserting their authority in the balance of power between state and federal governments.

So, the correct answer to your question is: he believed the states were meant to control the federal government.