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In 1794, Macon proposed a series of excise taxes on beer and wine to balance the impact of the new tax on whiskey, which had disproportionately impacted farmers in the South and West; this was rejected, and resentment over the tax shortly led to the [[Whiskey Rebellion]] on the western frontier. He opposed other aspects of the Federalist program, notably the [[Alien and Sedition Acts]] of 1798, arguing that the federal government had no constitutional authority to limit freedom of speech and the press. Macon supported the [[Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions]] put forward by Jefferson and Madison, and even suggested that the state legislatures should refuse to elect senators to Congress, thus dissolving the government.
In 1794, Macon proposed a series of excise taxes on beer and wine to balance the impact of the new tax on whiskey, which had disproportionately impacted farmers in the South and West; this was rejected, and resentment over the tax shortly led to the [[Whiskey Rebellion]] on the western frontier. He opposed other aspects of the Federalist program, notably the [[Alien and Sedition Acts]] of 1798, arguing that the federal government had no constitutional authority to limit freedom of speech and the press. Macon supported the [[Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions]] put forward by Jefferson and Madison, and even suggested that the state legislatures should refuse to elect senators to Congress, thus dissolving the government.
'''Senate'''
In 1815, Macon was elected to the Senate, and immediately became one of its more respected members. In the aftermath of the [[War of 1812]], he would continue his opposition to such proposals as a national bank and an expanded paper currency, holding to a "hard money" position; as well as to the "American System" of protective tariffs and internal improvements put forth by [[Henry Clay]].
Macon emerged as a fierce opponent of the [[Missouri Compromise]] of 1820. It was his belief that Congress had no power to regulate or restrict slavery in the states or the territories; and he also believed creating a geographical division between free and slave states (the 36°30’ line associated with the Compromise) was the first step toward disunion. Macon hoped at least to have the dividing line moved two degrees farther north to give the South more leverage in the future; but to no avail. "This will be the ruin of the South," he wrote in a letter to an acquaintance.
==Quotes==
==Quotes==