Question

Which of the following describes John C. Calhoun’s position on the issue of states’ rights and the federal union?
A. He supported states’ rights, but only in the legality of slavery.
B. He believed the union was important, but states’ rights were more important.
C. He supported states’ rights and opposed the union of the federal government.
D. He believed the union was most important until the election of Abraham Lincoln.

Answer 1

B.

Calhoun championed states’ rights (nullification, state sovereignty, and even the right to secede if necessary) and argued they took priority over federal authority, though he did not simply reject the Union outright.