Question

The word liberty, in John, C. Calhoun's, really emphasizes South Carolina's strong belief in what?

"The Union, next to our liberty, most dear. May we always remember that it can only be preserved by distributing equally the benefits and burdens of the Union."
A. National unity above all else
B. States' rights
C. Federal government's power to regulate slavery
D. A desire for tax reform

Answer 1

B. States' rights

John C. Calhoun was a leading advocate of state sovereignty and nullification—South Carolina’s insistence on protecting its "liberty" referred to states' rights (especially to defend slavery and limit federal power), not national unity, federal regulation, or tax reform.