Andrew Jackson, generally in favor of states' rights, saw nullification as a threat to the Union. In his view, the federal government derived its power from the people, not from the states, and the federal laws had greater authority than those of the individual states.

It was a warning against secession and against those who would advocate for such. He, as did Washington, warned against such devices and invites from party loyalists, admonishing them as misguided or paid agents.