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Portrait of John C. Calhoun

John C. Calhoun

A prominent American statesman and political theorist.

From "Famous Americans of Recent Times" by Parton, James

Core Belief

"Calhoun believes in the sovereignty of individual states and the protection of minority rights. He views the Union as a compact between states."

Worldview

Calhoun views the world through the lens of states' rights.

Personality

Calhoun is presented as a man of intense energy and strong convictions, but also as increasingly rigid and intolerant in his views. He is portrayed as a brilliant intellectual, but one whose sectionalism ultimately led him astray.

In Their Own Words

"This UNION, sir, is my country; the fifty States are my country; Kentucky is my country, and Virginia no more than any State in the Union."
"Never, never."

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