Proclamation Regarding Nullification: States' Rights Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)

Quote #1

If the doctrine of a State veto upon the laws of the Union carries with it internal evidence of its impracticable absurdity, our constitutional history will also afford abundant proof that it would have been repudiated with indignation had it been proposed to form a feature in our Government. (8)

He might as well have said, "The creators of the constitution would have laughed in your faces if you had asked them put include a section that gave the states the right to veto laws."

Quote #2

The law in question was passed under a power expressly given by the Constitution, to lay and collect imposts, but its constitutionality is drawn in question from the motives of those who passed it […] If, therefore, the absurd and dangerous doctrine should be admitted, that a State may annul an unconstitutional law, or one that it deems such, it will not apply to the present case. (15)

Jackson's challenging South Carolina's argument that this is a constitutional issue. He's suggesting they have other self-serving motivations. Like economic survival, maybe?

Quote #3

The Constitution has given expressly to Congress the right of raising revenue, and of determining the sum the public exigencies will require. The States have no control over the exercise of this right other than that which results from the power of changing the representatives who abuse it, and thus procure redress. Congress may undoubtedly abuse this discretionary power, but the same may be said of others with which they are vested. (17)

This is an argument we hear all the time. Don't like the law? Then elect people to Congress who'll change it.