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"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”
– Nelson Mandela

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Course Final Paper

Course Final Paper

Q 1) Under what grounds does Daniel Webster (Document #1) oppose the ability of a state to nullify federal laws, also known as the Doctrine of Nullification? What justifications does South Carolina (Document #2) employ to defend their decision to nullify federal laws? In comparing these two primary documents, whose arguments regarding the concept of nullification are most persuasive to you and why? 2) How did the Dred Scott Decision (Document #3) support the pro-slavery arguments regarding the ability of the federal government to restrict the expansion of slavery? What position did this Supreme Court decision assign people of African descent in the United States of America? What inconsistencies does Frederick Douglass (Document #4) identify with the founding principles of the nation and the current status of people of African descent within it? In what ways does the Dred Scott Decision confirm and/or challenge Douglass’ arguments? 3) What is the “irrepressible conflict” according to William H. Seward (Document #5) and how does he specifically define the two sides involved? How does Alexander Stephens (Document #6) define the Confederacy and why does he believe secession is justified and necessary? How does President Lincoln (Document #7) frame the Civil War and effort to restore the Union as a moral imperative? 4) In thinking about these primary documents and what you have learned in your course, should states have the power to nullify federal laws if they disagree with them? Why or why not? As part of your response, provide a specific case or issue (political, economic, social, or cultural) within the United States from the end of the Civil War until the present day where you could imagine a scenario in which nullification could play out and reflect upon both the positive and negative consequences of such action.

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Daniel Webster was a public speaker and attorney (Foner). He embodied as an elected congressman of New Hampshire in 1813 (Foner). He gave his speech on nullification concerning the speech given by Robert Haye and John C. Calhoun that state had its individual power to go against the federal laws if they found it as unconstitutional (Foner). Massachusetts Senator, Daniel Webster presented his speech by stating that the law of Congress cannot be declared invalid by the state. He dismissed any law provided by the state, stating that no state has been endowed with a power that they can interfere and resist any law passed from the Union Government.