John Caldwell Calhoun (1782-1850) was a leading United States Southern politician from South Carolina during the first half of the 19th century. He was the first Vice President to resign his office. He was an advocate of slavery, states' rights, limited government, and nullification. In 1817, President James Monroe appointed Calhoun to be Secretary of War, where he served until 1825. It should be noted that during this time period, he was perhaps the most tireless and selfless proponent of the nationalist agenda in American politics. His works include: Against the Force Bill (1833), A Discourse on the Constitution and Government of the United States (1851) and Disquisition on Government (1851).