Slavery, Sovereignty, Nullification, and the Civil War
The recent controversy over Confederate monuments has reignited debate about the very nature of the War Between the States, also known as the “Civil War.”
DetailsThe recent controversy over Confederate monuments has reignited debate about the very nature of the War Between the States, also known as the “Civil War.”
DetailsThe state and federal governments have always been at loggerheads, since virtually the first days of the Republic.
DetailsThroughout a period spanning over two decades in the 19th century, northern states rejected and refused to honor rendition requests under the Fugitive Slave Acts of 1793 and 1850. Today, we see a similar dynamic at play
DetailsMany supporters of nullification continue to labor under the misconception that it’s always “against the law.”
DetailsOn September 13, 1858, a federal marshal in Oberlin, Ohio arrested a fugitive slave from Maysville, Kentucky, named John Price.
DetailsHistory may not repeat itself, but it sometimes it gets close enough.
DetailsDespite any value you might find in legislation with arrest “teeth,” it becomes a liability when it guarantees failure.
DetailsThe northern abolitionists resisting the fugitive slave acts stood on solid constitutional ground. The American system was designed to ensure states would check on federal power.
DetailsNorthern states carried out arguably the most successful non-compliance campaign defying a federal act in history with their opposition to the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. Today, a Missouri bill takes a page from that playbook to stop state cooperation with federal enforcement of unconstitutional gun laws.
DetailsWisconsin nullified the fugitive slave act in 1859. They’ve defied the supreme court to this day. This is the story of the people behind the effort.
DetailsLeading confederates – in their own words – attacked and denounced nullification. Learn the truth.
DetailsNorthern abolitionists embarked on a multi-state, multi-year campaign to nullify the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.
DetailsThe Constitution. Every issue, every time. No exceptions, no excuses.