What was at the root of the nullification idea? The rights of the people The structure of the state government The powers of the states The northern support of the tariff

The correct answer is "the powers of the states."

Nullification is the political theory that states within the US have the ability to void (aka nullify) any law they believe is unconstitutional. This idea is rooted in the fact that the state governments believe they have the power to check the federal government. Ultimately, this idea has never actually been upheld in a federal court.