John C. Calhoun and “State’s Rights”

 

The following is an abridged version of a chapter which will appear in the forthcoming, From Founding Fathers to Fire-Eaters: The Constitutional Doctrine of States’ Rights in the Old South

 “Union among ourselves is not only necessary for our safety, but for the preservation of the common liberties and institutions of the whole confederacy. We constitute the balance wheel of our complex and beautiful political system. We are, and must continue to be, in a permanent minority in the Union. Our geographical position, our industry, pursuits, and institutions, are all peculiar. Our safety and prosperity depend on maintaining, in their full vigor, the restrictions imposed on the powers granted by the Constitution. So long as these are so maintained, and the powers confined to the objects intended by that sacred compact, we will be safe and prosperous, but no longer.

There is no fear, but the stronger portions of the Union will maintain the powers in their full vigor. The limitations are of far less comparative value to them. They can protect themselves without them; and, in fact, so far from a benefit, they are but too apt to regard them as unnecessary restraints on their power. If we do not take care of them, none will, and the government will practicably become one of unlimited powers.”
– John C. Calhoun

Today, it is considered a fact that States’ rights were nothing more than a flimsy veneer for the foundational issue of slavery.

More @ The Abbeville Institute