The Unpopularity of the Appointment

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 81 views

Introduction

The appointment of a Secretary of State is a significant decision in any government, as it sets the tone for the country's foreign policy and diplomatic relations. However, in the case of John Tyler's appointment of John C. Calhoun, it proved to be a contentious decision that sparked controversy among the Whigs. In this article, we will delve into the history behind this appointment and explore why it was met with such disapproval.

The Background

John C. Calhoun was a prominent figure in American politics, serving as the Secretary of War under President Andrew Jackson and later as the Vice President under President John Quincy Adams. He was a strong advocate for states' rights and a fierce critic of the federal government's power. When John Tyler became President after William Henry Harrison's sudden death, he appointed Calhoun as his Secretary of State.

The Unpopularity of the Appointment

The appointment of John C. Calhoun as Secretary of State proved to be unpopular with the Whigs for several reasons. Firstly, Calhoun's strong advocacy for states' rights and limited government was seen as a threat to the Whig Party's platform, which emphasized the importance of a strong federal government. Secondly, Calhoun's past criticisms of the federal government's power and his support for nullification, a doctrine that allowed states to nullify federal laws, were seen as a liability by the Whigs.

The Nullification Crisis

The nullification crisis was a significant event in American history that highlighted the tensions between the federal government and the states. In 1832, South Carolina passed a resolution nullifying the federal tariffs of 1828 and 1832, which were seen as unfair to the state. Calhoun, who was a strong supporter of nullification, played a key role in the crisis, arguing that states had the right to nullify federal laws.

The Whig Response

The Whigs were strongly opposed to Calhoun's appointment and his support for nullification. They saw it as a threat to the federal government's authority and a potential precursor to secession. The Whigs were also concerned about Calhoun's past criticisms of the federal government's power and his support for limited government.

The Consequences

The appointment of John C. Calhoun as Secretary of State had significant consequences for the Whig Party. The controversy surrounding his appointment and his support for nullification led to a split within the party, with some members supporting Calhoun and others opposing him. The controversy also led to a decline in the Whig Party's popularity, as many Americans saw the party as being out of touch with the needs of the country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the appointment of John C. Calhoun as Secretary of State by John Tyler proved to be unpopular with the Whigs due to his strong advocacy for states' rights and limited government. The controversy surrounding his appointment and his support for nullification led to a split within the Whig Party and a decline in the party's popularity. This event highlights the complexities of American history and the ongoing debates about the role of the federal government in the country.

The Other Options

While John C. Calhoun's appointment as Secretary of State was the most contentious, the other options listed were not without controversy. Martin Van Buren, who was a strong supporter of the Democratic Party, was seen as a threat to the Whig Party's platform. John Tyler's appointment of James K. Polk as Secretary of State was also seen as a liability by the Whigs, as Polk was a strong supporter of states' rights and limited government.

The Final Answer

Based on the information provided, the correct answer is:

A. John C. Calhoun

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the history behind John Tyler's appointment of John C. Calhoun as Secretary of State and why it proved to be unpopular with the Whigs. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this event.

Q: What was the main reason for the Whigs' opposition to Calhoun's appointment?

A: The main reason for the Whigs' opposition to Calhoun's appointment was his strong advocacy for states' rights and limited government. The Whigs believed that Calhoun's views were a threat to the federal government's authority and a potential precursor to secession.

Q: What was the nullification crisis, and how did Calhoun play a role in it?

A: The nullification crisis was a significant event in American history that highlighted the tensions between the federal government and the states. In 1832, South Carolina passed a resolution nullifying the federal tariffs of 1828 and 1832, which were seen as unfair to the state. Calhoun, who was a strong supporter of nullification, played a key role in the crisis, arguing that states had the right to nullify federal laws.

Q: Why was Calhoun's support for nullification a liability for the Whigs?

A: Calhoun's support for nullification was a liability for the Whigs because it was seen as a threat to the federal government's authority and a potential precursor to secession. The Whigs believed that if states were allowed to nullify federal laws, it would lead to a breakdown in the federal system and potentially even secession.

Q: What were the consequences of Calhoun's appointment for the Whig Party?

A: The consequences of Calhoun's appointment for the Whig Party were significant. The controversy surrounding his appointment and his support for nullification led to a split within the party, with some members supporting Calhoun and others opposing him. The controversy also led to a decline in the Whig Party's popularity, as many Americans saw the party as being out of touch with the needs of the country.

Q: Who were some of the other notable figures involved in the nullification crisis?

A: Some of the other notable figures involved in the nullification crisis included President Andrew Jackson, who vetoed the nullification bill, and Senator Robert Hayne of South Carolina, who was a strong supporter of nullification.

Q: What was the outcome of the nullification crisis?

A: The outcome of the nullification crisis was that the federal government ultimately prevailed, and the tariffs were not repealed. However, the crisis highlighted the ongoing tensions between the federal government and the states and set the stage for future conflicts over states' rights and federal power.

Q: How did the nullification crisis impact the development of American politics?

A: The nullification crisis had a significant impact on the development of American politics. It highlighted the ongoing tensions between the federal government and the states and set the stage for future conflicts over states' rights and federal power. The crisis also led to a decline in the Whig Party's popularity and paved the way for the rise of the Democratic Party.

Q: What can we learn from the nullification crisis?

A: We can learn several things from the nullification crisis. Firstly, it highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government and the states and the importance of finding a balance between federal power and state sovereignty. Secondly, it shows the importance of compromise and finding common ground in times of conflict. Finally, it demonstrates the ongoing relevance of the issues of states' rights and federal power in American politics.