Presented by Willard Hurst as part of his course "Introduction to Modern American Legal History" at the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1978. This lecture focuses on Calhoun's thoughts on the inherent tensions between individualism and the need for members of society to peacefully coexist. This includes a consideration of controlling the abuses of the government, voting and the contingency of power, and southern reactions to tariffs and revenue collected for internal improvements. Calhoun's thoughts on the concurrent majority principal are used as a backdrop to investigate power and the structuring of the federal government. The impact of a two chambered legislature, judicial review, and presidential veto power are all examined for their effect upon the committee system and special interest groups. Finally, the marginal effects of law are emphasized through a comparison of legal versus religious order, and the separation of church and state.
