John C. Calhoun Quotes

A collection of quotes by John C. Calhoun.

John C. Calhoun was an American statesman and political theorist who served as the seventh Vice President of the United States from 1825 to 1832. Born on March 18, 1782, in South Carolina, Calhoun entered politics at an early age and quickly gained recognition for his intelligence and oratory skills. He became a prominent advocate for states' rights and was a vociferous defender of slavery.

Throughout his political career, Calhoun held various positions, including Secretary of War under President James Monroe and Secretary of State under President John Quincy Adams. However, his most significant contributions were made as a senator from South Carolina, where he championed the rights of Southern states and vehemently opposed any measures that threatened the institution of slavery.

Calhoun's political philosophy centered around the idea of "nullification," which asserted that individual states had the right to invalidate federal laws they deemed unconstitutional. He argued that this power was essential to protect the sovereignty and interests of each state.

Although highly respected for his intellect and political acumen, Calhoun's staunch defense of slavery and his commitment to states' rights makes him a polarizing figure in American history. His ideas and beliefs foreshadowed the sectional conflict that would eventually lead to the American Civil War. John C. Calhoun died on March 31, 1850.

The Government of the absolute majority instead of the Gover

The Government of the absolute majority instead of the Government of the people is but the Government of the strongest interests; and when not efficiently checked, it is the most tyrannical and oppressive that can be devised.

John C. Calhoun


In looking back, I see nothing to regret and little to corre

In looking back, I see nothing to regret and little to correct.

John C. Calhoun

Regret Looking See Back Looking Back

Our well-founded claim, grounded on continuity, has greatly

Our well-founded claim, grounded on continuity, has greatly strengthened, during the same period, by the rapid advance of our population toward the territoryits great increase, especially in the valley of the Mississippias well as the greatly increased facility of passing to the territory by more accessible routes, and the far stronger and rapidly-swelling tide of population that has recently commenced flowing into it.

John C. Calhoun


I never know what South Carolina thinks of a measure. I neve

I never know what South Carolina thinks of a measure. I never consult her. I act to the best of my judgment, and according to my conscience. If she approves, well and good. If she does not, or wishes any one to take my place, I am ready to vacate. We are even.

John C. Calhoun


The surrender of life is nothing to sinking down into acknow

The surrender of life is nothing to sinking down into acknowledgment of inferiority.

John C. Calhoun

Life

The Government of the absolute majority instead of the Gover

The Government of the absolute majority instead of the Government of the people is but the Government of the strongest interests and when not efficiently checked, it is the most tyrannical and oppressive that can be devised.

John C. Calhoun

Government