What is the name of the policy that claimed a state could declare federal laws unconstitutional and nullify them?

• A. Doctrine of Nullification
• B. Federal Supremacy
• C. Popular Sovereignty
• D. Enumerated Powers

Answer: (A)

Nullification is the idea that a state could declare federal laws unconstitutional and refuse to enforce them within its borders. This view was a prominent states’ rights argument in the early 1830s, most associated with South Carolina during the Nullification Crisis, where leaders claimed the state could veto federal measures it deemed unconstitutional. It clashes with the Supremacy Clause, which establishes that federal law is the supreme law of the land and must be followed, and with the idea that constitutional questions are settled by the judiciary. The other terms describe different concepts: Federal Supremacy says federal law prevails over state law; Popular Sovereignty centers on ultimate political power residing in the people; Enumerated Powers are the specific powers granted to the federal government. Therefore, the policy that matches the description is Nullification.