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Questions and Answers
William Marbury was appointed a Justice of the Peace in the District of Columbia by President John ______.
William Marbury was appointed a Justice of the Peace in the District of Columbia by President John ______.
Adams
Thomas Jefferson's Secretary of State, James ______, refused to deliver Marbury's commission.
Thomas Jefferson's Secretary of State, James ______, refused to deliver Marbury's commission.
Madison
Marbury argued that he had a legal right to the commission under the ______ Act of 1789.
Marbury argued that he had a legal right to the commission under the ______ Act of 1789.
Judiciary
Madison claimed that the Judiciary Act of 1789 was ______.
Madison claimed that the Judiciary Act of 1789 was ______.
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The Supreme Court was led by Chief Justice John ______ during the ruling.
The Supreme Court was led by Chief Justice John ______ during the ruling.
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The Court declared the Judiciary Act of 1789 unconstitutional with respect to granting the Supreme Court original ______.
The Court declared the Judiciary Act of 1789 unconstitutional with respect to granting the Supreme Court original ______.
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The ruling established the principle of judicial ______.
The ruling established the principle of judicial ______.
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Marbury v. Madison established the Supreme Court as the final ______ of the meaning of the Constitution.
Marbury v. Madison established the Supreme Court as the final ______ of the meaning of the Constitution.
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The ruling significantly ______ the power of the judiciary compared to the other branches of government.
The ruling significantly ______ the power of the judiciary compared to the other branches of government.
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Marbury v. Madison continues to be cited in legal scholarship and American political ______.
Marbury v. Madison continues to be cited in legal scholarship and American political ______.
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Study Notes
Background of the Case
- William Marbury was appointed a Justice of the Peace in the District of Columbia by President John Adams in the final days of his presidency.
- His commission was not delivered before Thomas Jefferson took office.
- Jefferson's Secretary of State, James Madison, refused to deliver the commission, preventing Marbury from taking his appointed position.
Marbury's Argument
- Marbury argued he had a legal right to the commission.
- He asserted the Judiciary Act of 1789 provided a legal path to obtain it.
- He claimed Madison violated his rights by withholding the commission.
Madison's Defense
- Madison argued the Secretary of State wasn't obligated to deliver commissions.
- He contended the Judiciary Act of 1789 was unconstitutional.
- Madison argued the Act gave the Supreme Court powers exceeding its constitutional authority.
The Supreme Court's Ruling
- The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Marshall, acknowledged Marbury's right to the commission.
- However, the Court lacked the power to force Madison to deliver the commission.
Key Decision
- The Court declared the Judiciary Act of 1789 unconstitutional in its grant of original jurisdiction to the Supreme Court in Marbury's case.
- The Constitution, the Court reasoned, defined the Supreme Court's original jurisdiction, not Congress.
Significance of Marbury v. Madison
- The ruling established the principle of judicial review.
- Judicial review empowers the Supreme Court to invalidate laws or executive actions deemed unconstitutional.
- This strengthened the judiciary, making it equal to the other branches of government.
- The Supreme Court became the final interpreter of the Constitution.
Impact and Lasting Significance
- Marbury v. Madison profoundly shaped American constitutional law.
- It set a precedent for resolving conflicts among branches of government.
- The case's principles continue to be studied and debated.
- The concept of judicial review is an integral part of the American legal system.
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Description
Explore the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison, where William Marbury's quest for his commission as Justice of the Peace ignited a constitutional crisis. Discover Marbury's arguments, Madison's defense, and the Supreme Court's pivotal ruling that defined judicial review in the United States.
