Stance on states' rights

Definition

A political position that emphasizes the power of individual states to govern themselves and make decisions independently from the federal government. It promotes the idea that states have the authority to nullify or reject federal laws they believe are unconstitutional.

Related terms

Nullification: The act of declaring a federal law invalid within a state's borders based on its belief that it violates the Constitution.

John C. Calhoun: A prominent Southern politician who championed states' rights and was a strong advocate for nullification during his career.

Tenth Amendment: Part of the United States Constitution that reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to individual states or to the people.