8.10.1
Compare the conflicting interpretations of state and federal authority as
emphasized in the speeches and writing of statesmen such as Daniel Webster and
John C Calhoun.
There were two opposing views, regarding the state authority and the federal
authority. One side thought that the states were subject to the federal
authority. Men who thought this were men such as Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, and
Stephen Douglas. The other side was in support of the States Rights. Supporters
of this include John C. Calhoun. This controversy brought up many debates, and
was a part of the reason that the Civil War began.
Those who supported the
Federal authority believed the federal power was greater than the state laws.
Henry Clay, a senator, stated that “The veto is an extraordinary power “ This
shows that he believes that the federal power is great and can impact the
country, he also states later on “I am directly opposed to any purpose of
secession, of separation. I am for staying with the Union, and defying any
portion of this Union to expel or drive me out of the Union. I am for staying
within the Union and fighting for my rights -- if necessary, with the sword --
within the bounds and under the safeguard of the Union. I am for vindicating
these rights; but not by being driven out of the Union rashly and
unceremoniously by any portion of this confederacy. Here I am within it, and
here I mean to stand and die -- as far as my individual purposes or wishes can
go -- within it to protect myself, and to defy all power upon earth to expel me
or drive me from the situation in which I am placed. Will there not be more
safety in fighting within the Union than without it? ...” Showing that he
is for the Union and that he believes that the federal authority can help to
keep the Union together and that he is against secession. Daniel Webster
stated in his speech given on January 1830 “I do not admit that, under the
Constitution and in conformity with it, there is any mode in which a state
government, as a member of the Union, can interfere and stop the progress of the
general government, by force of her own laws, under any circumstance whatever.”
This shows that he believes the State governments cannot interfere with the
general government therefore showing that he was for the federal governments
power.
Those who supported The States’ Rights believed that the states power was over the federal
power and so they should make their own decisions. John C. Calhoun, a man that
was once vice president, stated in his writing South Carolina Exposition and
Protest, “The committee do not propose to enter into an elaborate or refined
argument on the question of the constitutionality of the Tariff system. The
General Government is one of specific powers, and it can rightfully exercise
only the powers expressly granted, and those that may be necessary and proper to
carry them into effect, all others being reserved expressly to the States or the
people. It results, necessarily, that those who claim to exercise power under
the Constitution, are bound to show that it is expressly granted, or that it is
necessary and proper as a means to some of the granted powers.” In this he shows
that he was against the government using its powers for he believes that they
may only use powers that were specifically given to them all the others are
given either to the states or the people. So he supports the states and believes
that they have the power to do what they see fit.
More Information:
1.
http://educate.si.edu/spotlight/civilwar1.html
This link talks about various people in history. A brief summery of what they did in history. Provides links to more
information about some of the people in their lives and a picture of each of the people on the website.
2.
http://www.ket.org/civilwar/clay.html
This link is one of the shorter speeches that Henry Clay made to the U.S. Senate.
3.
http://gi.grolier.com/presidents/aae/vp/vpcal.html
This link is a biography of John C. Calhoun. Shows other places to find further information on John C. Calhoun.
4.
http://www2.whidbey.com/chuckd/calhoun.html
This link shows excerpts from his South Carolina and Protest letter.
5.
http://www.nv.cc.va.us/home/nvsageh/Hist121/Part3/Webster.htm
Recommended Books:
1.
The American Journey: Building a Nation
by Joyce Appleby, Alan Brinkley, James McPherson, and National
Geographic Society
2.
Frederick Douglass and the War Against Slavery
by E. Bennett
3.
Frederick Douglass Fights for Freedom
by M. Davidson
4.
Abraham Lincoln and the Union
by Oscar & Lilian Handlin
5.
Slavery Defended: the views of the old South
by Eric L. McKitrick
6.
Lincoln: In His Own Words
by M. Meltzer