Book: State Papers and Speeches on the Tariff

Intro
" State Papers and Speeches on The Tariff", written by John Tyler in 1832, is an important document in American history, as it describes the arguments and positions on a critical and dissentious issue of the time: the federal government's authority to enforce tariffs. At its core, the book is a collection of speeches, letters, and other writings from crucial political figures throughout the 1830s, looking for the best strategy to promote American industry and preserve states' autonomy.

Background
Throughout the early 19th century, the United States was having a hard time to define its financial policy. The question of the tariff was main to this dispute, as the federal government's decision to raise or lower tariffs would have lasting results on the young nation's growing market. Southern states, mostly concentrated on agriculture, wanted low tariffs or none at all, as they believed high tariffs would unjustly benefit Northern manufacturing markets while driving up the expense of imported items for Southern consumers.

On the other hand, Northern states saw high protective tariffs as crucial to the advancement of their production markets, which would help the whole nation advance and take on European powers. The stress between these 2 factions came to a head in 1832 when Congress passed a brand-new tariff bill to continue safeguarding Northern industries.

John Tyler's Role
John Tyler, a statesman from Virginia who would later on end up being the 10th President of the United States, was a strong challenger of protective tariffs and a protector of states' rights. Throughout "State Papers and Speeches on the Tariff", Tyler argues against the federal government's authority to enact tariffs for the purpose of promoting specific markets, and asserts the principle that states must be devoid of federal intervention in their economies.

Tyler's opposition to the 1832 tariff is evident in the speeches he gave up Congress and the writings consisted of in the book. He cites the Constitution and early analyses of it by numerous founding fathers to back his argument that the federal government must act with very little intervention and should focus on the general welfare rather than then the interest of specific industries or areas.

Arguments Against the Tariff
Tyler's main argument versus the tariff focuses on the Constitution's delegation of powers to the federal government. He contends that the power to enact tariffs for securing particular markets or areas is not one approved by the Constitution, which just granted the power to impose tariffs for moneying the government and regulating commerce between nations. For that reason, Tyler asserts that tariffs for protectionist functions are unconstitutional.

Furthermore, Tyler argues that protective tariffs damage the interests of one area in favor of another, developing internal disputes within the country. He slams the federal government for preferring the Northern states' industrial interests, declaring that the high tariffs disproportionally strained Southern states that relied more heavily on worldwide trade.

Conclusion and Legacy
In spite of Tyler's passionate arguments against the 1832 tariff, the federal government preserved its policy of promoting American industry through protective tariffs. This problem would continue to contribute to the tension in between the North and South, culminating in the secession of numerous Southern states and the start of the Civil War.

Nevertheless, Tyler's commitment to states' rights, his interpretation of the Constitution, and defense of local autonomy have actually remained considerable throughout American history. Even in the existing political environment, disputes on the appropriate balance between federal power and states' rights continue to be shaped by the ideas put forth in "State Papers and Speeches on the Tariff."