Tariff Act of 1828 – a.k.a. Tariff of Abominations – Protective tariffs aimed at Northern industries cause tensions increasing cost of living in the South, leading to the Nullification Crisis when Vice President John Calhoun anonymously penned the Nullification Doctrine which emphasized a state’s right to reject federal laws within its borders and questioned the constitutionality of taxing imports without the explicit goal of raising revenue. Congress still sets rates but political conflicts highlight tariff complexity.
Significance
- Establishes use of Tariffs as a Protectionism mechanism to protect domestic industry.
- Establishes Congressional Authority over Tariffs
- Created Political tension between the winners and losers of any Tariff policy.
- Some believe set the seeds of Civil War
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