The Jeffersonian principle of state nullification of unconstitutional federal laws has been getting more and more media attention over the past several years — nearly all of it negative, of course. The arguments against it are not difficult to answer, especially for members of this site. That hasn’t stopped reporters and opinion-molders from smearing supporters of Jefferson’s view, and letting the public know that anyone holding such a position can expect the usual treatment.
And yet, according to recent polling data, the strategy isn’t working. Despite the best efforts of the perpetual demonization machine, Rasmussen finds the following: “On the general question of ‘nullification,’ 44 percent believe states should have the right to block any federal laws they disagree with on legal grounds. Thirty-six percent disagree and 20 are undecided.”
Check out the Tenth Amendment Center’s analysis.