What were Southerners argument of state rights?

Southerners argued for states' rights primarily to defend their autonomy against federal intervention, particularly regarding issues like slavery and economic policies. They believed that individual states should have the authority to govern themselves without federal oversight, asserting that this was essential for preserving their way of life and regional interests. This belief was rooted in the Constitution, which they interpreted as granting states significant powers. Ultimately, the argument for states' rights became a central justification for secession and the Confederacy during the Civil War.