Force Bill - Definition

The United States Force Bill of 1833 authorized President Andrew Jackson's use of whatever force necessary to execute laws. It was intended to nullify South Carolina's Nullification of tariffs. South Carolina Nullified this Bill. Henry Clay's Compromise Tariffs passed the same day, satisfying John Calhoun and South Carolina, making nullification unnecessary in any event.

The issue of nullification was a precursor to the American Civil War.