Your remark is a proof that you are not a naturalized American. If you had to prepare for the citizenship exam, you would learn that the protective tariffs were the key source of income for the federal government.
BTW, it was the slave labor South which was opposed to tariffs.
In the 19th century the tarriff issue was an important one. The US Coast Guard was originaly formed to collect tarriffs (revenue cutters). Early Supreme Court decisions showing Federal supremacy were involved with tarriffs. Protective tarriffs were a primary issue for such politicians as Daniel Webster and John C. Calhoun.