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Tariff Act of 1828
Also known as the "Tariff of Abominations", this tariff act passed in 1828 raised taxes on imported goods. This was in hopes of protecting the growing domestic industries by raising the costs of imported goods. which would make it less probable that Americans would purchase foreign goods rather than domestic goods. However, outrage was seen in southern states who believed this tariff only benefited the northern industry states and harmed southern economy. They hoped Jackson would modify the act. -
South Carolina Exposition & Protest
John C. Calhoun, the Vice President to Jackson, wrote his belief that the passing of the tariff of 1828 was unconstitutional. He acknowledges that Article 1, Section 10, Clause 2 of the Constitution allows Congress to impose taxes on goods, but he also mentions that this is authority is limited only for the reason of raising revenue. He believed that aside from raising revenue, the special interest of the prosperity of Northern industries was involved. -
Tariff of 1832
The tariff of 1832 was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Jackson in order to lower the duties imposed in the tariff of 1828. This came as a result of the complaint from southern states who wanted the tariff to be amended and altered in order to lower the duties as it affected the southern economy and seemed to benefit the northern economies. However, dissatisfaction still lingered in South Carolina, and it wouldn't be long until they declared an "Ordinance of Nullification." -
SC Ordinance of Nullification
South Carolina delegates met at a S.C. convention and created an ordinance that nullified various acts of Congress, one specifically being the tariffs of 1828 and 1832. They rendered these acts as null and void which meant that they would not be valid or have any value within the state. This was as a result of the acts being "unconstitutional." They also acknowledged that these acts favored to the north while it created an economic strain of southern states. -
Jackson's Proclamation regarding Nullification
President Jackson issued a response to South Carolina's Ordinance of Nullification where he argued the constitutionality of the tariffs and pushed for Congress to allow a force act in order to impose these duties. He disputed the idea that the states had the right to nullify federal laws. He also mentioned that South Carolina was on the edge of treason and that they should reconsider their actions by reasserted their alliance with the Union. -
Compromise Tariff 1833
Senator Henry Clay proposed a compromise in order to deal with the issue occurring with the federal tariffs and the southern states. This new tariff proposal would reduce the duties imposed by the now tariffs year by year until 1842 where they would be similar to the duties imposed in the tariff od 1816. This would allow some elimination of the protectionist duties over time. -
Force Act of 1833
Congress passed a law that would give power to the President to use Military force in order to probably enforce duties if the states did not comply with the federal tariffs. This was passed in response to S.C. Ordinance of Nullification and President Jackson's request in his Proclamation regarding S.C. nullification of the federal tariffs. -
S.C. Acceptance of Compromise
South Carolina legislatures accepted the Compromise tariff and nullified their Nullification Act. Although there were still some lingering feelings of discontent, this event could be seen as a "win-win" situation for both parties. President Jackson once more emphasizes that the federal government as a superiority to the state governments and defended the Union. On the same boat, South Carolina showed resistance and demonstrated that it was possible for states to "win" in Congress.