Question

a crisis erupted in the 1830s over the idea that a state could declare federal legislation invalid, prevent its enforcement, and possibly separate from the union. what word describes this idea?

○ unconstitutionality

○ secession

○ nullification

○ veto

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• "unconstitutionality" refers to something being against the constitution, not the act of a state declaring federal law invalid.
• "secession" is the act of a state leaving the Union, but the question is about declaring federal law invalid, not just leaving.
• "nullification" is the idea that a state can declare federal legislation invalid, which matches the description.
• "veto" is a power (usually of an executive) to reject a law, not a state's power over federal law in this context.

Answer:

C. nullification