South Carolina Exposition and Protest

Definition

The South Carolina Exposition and Protest was a document written by Vice President John C. Calhoun in 1828, which argued that states had the right to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional. It specifically protested the high tariffs imposed by the federal government.

Related terms

Nullification Crisis: A political confrontation between President Andrew Jackson and South Carolina over the state's attempt to nullify federal tariffs in 1832.

Tariffs: Taxes imposed on imported goods to protect domestic industries, often resulting in higher prices for consumers.

States' Rights: The belief that individual states have powers separate from the federal government and can challenge or nullify federal laws they consider unconstitutional.