The interval between the decay of the old and the formation and establishment of the new constitutes a period of transition which must always necessarily be one of uncertainty, confusion, error, and wild and fierce fanaticism.

Nullification crisis
In 1832 states' rights theory was put to the test in the Nullification Crisis after South Carolina passed an ordinance that nullified federal tariffs. However the nation was satisfied by the diplomacy that produced the Convention of 1818 with Britain and the Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819 with Spain the need for a large army disappeared and Calhoun could not prevent cutbacks in 1821. The Calhoun Monument was erected in Charleston South Carolina.

Devoted to liberty in principle and fearful of corruption Calhoun built his reputation as a political theorist by his redefinition of republicanism to include approval of slavery and minority rights—with the Southern States the minority in question. Calhoun began his political career as a nationalist modernizer and proponent of a strong national government and protective tariffs.