Marbury vs Madison Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What happened in Marbury v Madison?

Marbury v. Madison strengthened the federal judiciary by establishing the power of judicial review.

What was Marbury vs Madison and why was it important?

Marbury v. Madison established the principle of judicial review.

Who won Marbury v Madison and why?

The Supreme Court ruled in a 4-0 decision that forcing Madison to deliver the appointments was beyond its power.

What was declared unconstitutional in Marbury v Madison?

The provision in the 1789 Act granting the Supreme Court the power to issue a writ of mandamus was unconstitutional. Signup and view all the answers

How did the 1803 ruling in Marbury v Madison affect the balance of power in the federal government?

It gave the judicial branch a way to check the power of Congress. Signup and view all the answers

Could Marbury v Madison be overturned?

Yes, it is subject to being overturned by the Supreme Court or constitutional amendment. Signup and view all the answers

Is Marbury v Madison still valid?

False Signup and view all the answers

What was Marbury v Madison's importance?

It established the principle of judicial review in the United States. Signup and view all the answers

How did Marbury v Madison strengthen the federal judiciary?

It established the power of judicial review for the federal courts. Signup and view all the answers

Did you know?

Chief Justice John Marshall declared the Judiciary Act of 1789 was not constitutional. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Marbury v. Madison

Marbury v. Madison (1803) is a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that established judicial review.
Judicial review empowers federal courts to declare laws and executive actions unconstitutional.

Case Background and Decision

The case arose when William Marbury sued Secretary of State James Madison for failing to deliver his commission.
The Supreme Court ruled 4-0 that while Madison's withholding of the appointments was illegal, the Court did not have the power to enforce their delivery.

Key Legal Principles

Chief Justice John Marshall wrote the unanimous opinion, affirming the importance of judicial review.
The Court declared a provision of the Judiciary Act of 1789 that allowed it to issue writs of mandamus unconstitutional.

Impact on Governance

Marbury v. Madison significantly affected the balance of power within the federal government.
The ruling enabled the judicial branch to check legislative and executive actions, establishing it as a coequal government branch.

Current Relevance

The precedent set by Marbury v. Madison has influenced American law and the judicial system since 1803.
Supreme Court cases, including Ortiz v. United States (2018), indicate that Marbury could potentially be overturned, challenging its current status.

Lasting Importance

The decision affirmed the judiciary's authority to invalidate laws that contravene the U.S. Constitution.
Thomas Jefferson opposed the concept of judicial review, deeming it unconstitutional, highlighting early tensions regarding the power of the judiciary.

Did You Know?

John Marshall stated that the Judiciary Act of 1789 could not alter the Constitution, emphasizing that normal legislation cannot override constitutional provisions.

Description

Test your knowledge on the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison with these flashcards. This pivotal Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review, empowering the federal judiciary to invalidate unconstitutional laws. Understanding its significance is essential for grasping American constitutional law.