What was the primary objective of the Force Act of 1832?

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Prepare for the UCF AMH2010 U.S. History Exam 2. Master key historic concepts with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Get exam-ready!

The Force Act of 1832 was primarily aimed at addressing the tensions between the federal government and South Carolina regarding tariff enforcement. The act was a direct response to South Carolina's Nullification Crisis, during which the state attempted to nullify federal tariffs that they deemed unfairly burdensome. The core objective of the Force Act was to empower the federal government to use military force if necessary to ensure compliance with federal laws, specifically regarding the collection of tariffs.

By authorizing the president to use the army and navy to enforce laws, the act was designed to maintain the authority of the federal government and prevent states from disregarding national legislation. This was a significant assertion of federal power during a period of rising sectional tensions and highlighted the conflict between state rights and federal authority. The other options, while relating to broader aspects of federal-state relations, do not accurately represent the Force Act's primary purpose of facilitating federal enforcement against state defiance.