Question

Why did the south support the idea of nullification

Answer 1

Answer:

Nullification meant that the South did not have to follow the mandates of the federal government. This crisis set the stage for larger debates about the power of the states versus that of the federal government. These debates would set the stage for subsequent debates over the expansion of slavery and lead to the Civil War.

Explanation: Nullification was one of the major debate between states and the federal government in the antebellum period.

Answer 2

Answer: The South supported the idea of nullification because the administration of second president John Adams had passed the Alien and Sedition Acts.  

Explanation:From about 1798 to 1800, the United States and France were practically at war despite a longtime alliance.  In response to actions taken by France, many Americans viewed France as an enemy.  The French Revolution and a possible war with France made Americans more suspicious of foreigners in the country who were not citizens.  Congress responded by passing strict laws to protect the nation's security.  The Alien and Sedition Acts allowed the president to send aliens (foreigners) to jail if considered "dangerous" and made it a crime to speak, write, or publish criticisms of the government.