Changes

Calhoun began as a Jeffersonian Republican and after 1828 usually affiliated with the [[Democratic Party]], but flirted with the [[Whig Party]] and considered running for the presidency in 1824 and 1844. Starting as a leading nationalist and modernizer, after 1828 Calhoun reversed directions and became the foremost spokesman for states rights and slavery.<ref> Capers says it was caused by opportunism; when Calhoun realized his ultra nationalist programs were getting him nowhere, he decided about 1827 to build a southern base by allying himself with Jackson and attacking the nationalism of Adams and Clay. The tactic failed completely when Jackson broke with him in 1831.  Capers (1948) pp 41-48.</ref>  Devoted to the principle of liberty and fearful of corruption, Calhoun expanded the notion of [[Republicanism, U.S.|republicanism]] to include the need to protect minority rights against majority rule; his approach was the "concurrent majority."  Increasing distrustful of democracy, he minimized the role of the [[Second Party System]] in South Carolina.  The leaders of the secession movement in the decade after his death looked to Calhoun as a hero.

Calhoun began as a Jeffersonian Republican and after 1828 usually affiliated with the [[Democratic Party]], but flirted with the [[Whig Party]] and considered running for the presidency in 1824 and 1844. Starting as a leading nationalist and modernizer, after 1828 Calhoun reversed directions and became the foremost spokesman for states rights and slavery.<ref> Capers says it was caused by opportunism; when Calhoun realized his ultra nationalist programs were getting him nowhere, he decided about 1827 to build a southern base by allying himself with Jackson and attacking the nationalism of Adams and Clay. The tactic failed completely when Jackson broke with him in 1831.  Capers (1948) pp 41-48.</ref>  Devoted to the principle of liberty and fearful of corruption, Calhoun expanded the notion of [[Republicanism, U.S.|republicanism]] to include the need to protect minority rights against majority rule; his approach was the "concurrent majority."  Increasing distrustful of democracy, he minimized the role of the [[Second Party System]] in South Carolina.  The leaders of the secession movement in the decade after his death looked to Calhoun as a hero.

==Personal life==

==Personal life==