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.”
Details
A Brief History of “Sanctuary Cities”
The state and federal governments have always been at loggerheads, since virtually the first days of the Republic.
Details
A History of Rendition Resistance by States: From Fugitive Slaves to Immigration
Throughout 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
Details
Nullification Through Noncooperation Rests on Rock-Solid Legal Ground
Many supporters of nullification continue to labor under the misconception that it’s always “against the law.”
Details
Heroes of Liberty: Charles Langston and the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue
On September 13, 1858, a federal marshal in Oberlin, Ohio arrested a fugitive slave from Maysville, Kentucky, named John Price.
Details
When Nullifiers Were Abolitionists: Vermont vs the Fugitive Slave Act
History may not repeat itself, but it sometimes it gets close enough.
Details
Nullification Strategy vs Failed Calls for Federal Agent Arrests
Despite any value you might find in legislation with arrest “teeth,” it becomes a liability when it guarantees failure.
Details
Constitutionally Sound: Nullification of the Fugitive Slave Act
The 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.
DetailsNullification: Massachusetts in 1855 and Missouri in 2014
Northern 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.
Details
Glover, Booth and Paine: Over 150 years of nullification
Wisconsin 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.
DetailsWhat Confederates Really Thought of Nullification
Leading confederates – in their own words – attacked and denounced nullification. Learn the truth.
DetailsNorthern Resistance to Slavery is the Blueprint to Stop NSA Spying
Northern abolitionists embarked on a multi-state, multi-year campaign to nullify the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.
Details
