Littleton Waller Tazewell graduated from the College of William & Mary and was admitted to the Virginia bar. He began his political career in the Virginia House of Delegates and later served in the United States Congress. Tazewell held various legislative positions and played a pivotal role in resolving international maritime disputes. He transitioned from private legal practice to public service, showcasing a blend of legal acumen and diplomatic skills.

Littleton Waller Tazewell's political identity is marked by a curious blend of traditional economic conservatism and an aggressive stance against abolitionism. His advocacy for protective tariffs and a national bank aligns with the economic nationalism of Henry Clay's American System, yet his fervent support for wholesale colonization and suppression of abolitionist activities reveals an unexpected rigidity on social issues. Tazewell's diplomatic role and writings on foreign relations further underscore his calculated approach to national interests, suggesting a politician who balances ideological consistency with strategic pragmatism.