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Strictures on Nullification

Written by Alexander Hill Everett

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Nullification (States' rights)

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About this book

"Strictures on Nullification" by Alexander Hill Everett is a political treatise written in the early 19th century. The work critically addresses the contentious issue of nullification as it emerged in discussions around tariff laws and states' rights, particularly focusing on actions taken by South Carolina. The text likely serves as a response to arguments made by notable politicians of the time, underscoring the author's commitment to the principles laid out in the U.S. Constitution. The opening of the work sets the stage for a profound examination of the concept of nullification, which South Carolina had begun advocating as a means to reject federal tariff laws. Everett details the state’s actions, including the summoning of a legislature and the formation of a convention aimed at passing an 'Ordinance to nullify' said laws. He challenges the legal justifications for such actions, arguing that they contradict constitutional principles and would ultimately be both impractical and detrimental to the stability of the nation. Throughout, he engages with the intellectual underpinnings of nullification, dissecting the claims put forth by its supporters while maintaining that true authority rests with the federal system established by the Constitution.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Strictures on Nullification, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 10 hours
  • advanced
  • Serious
  • Analytical
  • Argumentative

Alexander Hill Everett's "Strictures on Nullification" is a pivotal early 19th-century political treatise directly confronting the doctrine of nullification, particularly as championed by South Carolina in response to federal tariff laws. The work meticulously dissects and refutes the legal and practical justifications for a state's right to nullify federal legislation, arguing that such actions fundamentally undermine the U.S. Constitution and national stability. Everett sets the stage by detailing South Carolina's legislative and convention actions aimed at rejecting federal authority, then systematically dismantles their arguments. His analysis underscores a deep commitment to the principles of federalism and the supremacy of the Constitution, positioning the treatise as a significant voice in the contentious debates over states' rights and national unity that preceded the Civil War.

“"The doctrine of nullification, if admitted, would reduce the Constitution to a mere rope of sand, incapable of binding the states to any common action."”

Key themes

Federalism vs. States' Rights
This is the central theme, exploring the fundamental tension between the authority of the federal government and the sovereignty of individual states. Everett argues for a strong federal union with supreme authority in its constitutionally defined sphere, directly challenging the nullifiers' assertion of state power to invalidate federal laws. He delves into the historical intent of the Constitution's framers to establish a unified nation rather than a loose confederacy.
Constitutional Interpretation
The treatise is fundamentally an exercise in constitutional interpretation. Everett meticulously examines the text and original intent of the U.S. Constitution to argue against the nullifiers' reading. He emphasizes the supremacy clause, the judicial review power, and the mechanisms for amendment as the proper means of constitutional governance, rather than unilateral state action.
National Unity vs. Disunion
Everett frames nullification not just as a legal error but as a direct threat to the integrity and survival of the United States. He warns of the catastrophic consequences of allowing states to unilaterally defy federal law, predicting a descent into anarchy, civil strife, and the ultimate dissolution of the Union. This theme underscores the high stakes of the nullification debate and the profound concern for national cohesion.

Worth discussing

How does Everett's interpretation of the U.S. Constitution differ from that of nullification proponents, particularly regarding the nature of the Union?

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