Question

question 10

which of the following statements about political tensions during the jackson administration is true?

all of the southern states nullified the federal governments tariff.

jackson sent military into south carolina to enforce federal law.

southern plantation owners believed tariffs did more harm than good.

jackson questioned the right of the federal government to pass tariffs at all.

Explanation:

Analyze the historical context of the Jackson administration

The question asks which statement regarding political tensions during Andrew Jackson's presidency is true. The primary tension referenced in the options is the Nullification Crisis of 1832–1833, which arose over the federal Tariffs of 1828 and 1832.

Evaluate the first statement

"All of the southern states nullified the federal government's tariff."
This statement is historically inaccurate. While many Southern states strongly disliked the protective tariffs, South Carolina was the only state that actually took the formal step of passing an Ordinance of Nullification to declare the federal tariffs null and void within its borders. Other Southern states did not join South Carolina in nullification.

Evaluate the second statement

"Jackson sent military into South Carolina to enforce federal law."
This statement is a common misconception. While President Jackson strongly opposed nullification, issued the Nullification Proclamation, and secured the Force Bill from Congress authorizing him to use military force if necessary, he did not actually send the military into South Carolina to enforce the tariff. Instead, a compromise tariff (the Compromise Tariff of 1833, brokered by Henry Clay) was passed, resolving the crisis peacefully before military intervention occurred.

Evaluate the third statement

"Southern plantation owners believed tariffs did more harm than good."
This statement is historically true. Southern plantation owners and agriculturalists heavily relied on exporting raw goods (like cotton) to European markets and importing manufactured goods. Protective tariffs raised the cost of imported manufactured goods and invited retaliatory tariffs from European trading partners, which harmed the Southern agricultural economy while protecting Northern manufacturing. Thus, they believed tariffs did far more harm than good.

Evaluate the fourth statement

"Jackson questioned the right of the federal government to pass tariffs at all."
This statement is false. President Jackson believed that the federal government possessed the constitutional authority to levy tariffs, particularly for revenue and moderate protection, and he firmly believed in the supremacy of federal law over state challenges.

Answer:

• (A) All of the southern states nullified the federal government's tariff.
• (B) Jackson sent military into South Carolina to enforce federal law.
• (C) Southern plantation owners believed tariffs did more harm than good. (Correct answer)
• (D) Jackson questioned the right of the federal government to pass tariffs at all.