John C Calhoun propounded the theory of nullification which states that the states have the right to override the federal law if it is deemed to be unconstitutional.
Explanation:
The federal government of United states, levied tariffs on the state of south Carolina and the state refused to pay the tariffs to the federal government in 1932. The state legislature of south Carolina decided to apply the ordinance of nullification and refused to pay the tariffs and to top it further it also warned secession from the union if it tried to collect the tariffs from the state government by force.
Andrew Jackson issued the 'proclamation of people of South Carolina' asserting the power of the federal government. Congress passed the Force bill which authorized Andrew Jackson to bring in the militia in order to collect tariff duties from South Carolina. southerners realized that as long as they remained with the union, they play safe otherwise they are vulnerable due to the majority of the northerners against the southerners.
