John C. Calhoun

Real World Example

John C. Calhoun was an influential American politician who served as the seventh Vice President under John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson. During the Age of Jackson, he was a strong advocate for states' rights and played a significant role in the Nullification Crisis, which centered around the conflict between federal authority and state sovereignty. Calhoun's defense of slavery and his belief in the rights of Southern states to govern themselves without federal interference were key issues of his time. His actions contributed to the growing tensions between the North and South, which eventually led to the Civil War. Today, discussions about states' rights versus federal power continue to impact debates on issues like education and healthcare, showing how Calhoun's legacy still influences American politics.